WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola is relishing the prospect of taking on fierce rivals Millwall in the second round of the Carling Cup next Tuesday.

The Hammers will welcome the Lions to Upton Park, and Zola is only too aware of the competition that exists between the two sides.

“There is a very strong connection with Millwall,” he told the club's official website. “It is funny. Last year in October when things weren't going very well for us, I stopped at a petrol station and this big bloke came up to me.

“He was huge. It was two degrees outside and he was wearing short sleeves. He came up to me and said, 'Franco, you are my hero!' I thought, this man must be a West Ham supporter or maybe a Chelsea supporter.

“He said: 'Look, I am Millwall. I am very pleased because you are taking West Ham down!' I realised then about the relationship between the two clubs.”

Fortunately for West Ham, Zola helped turn around the club's fortunes to finish a credible ninth last year. But he will get a taste of the London derby next week, when he hopes to kick-start a successful cup campaign.

“It is a competition we would like to stay in until the end and also it gives you the opportunity to play European football. We are going to be up for it.”