Soccer: Steve Finnan is far from overawed at the prospect of making his first start for Espanyol against Sevilla, insisting he is ready for the challenge.

Finnan only made his debut for his new club as a late substitute against Getafe at the weekend, but the deadline day acquisition from Liverpool is set to be named in the starting XI for tonight's clash against Sevilla because of the absence of Gregory Beranger.

Espanyol coach Bartolome Marquez concedes it will not be an easy introduction for Finnan, saying: "It will be a baptism of fire because he will play on one of the flanks and that's there where Sevilla have some very good players."

However, Finnan is looking forward to the match, saying: "I'm delighted. I didn't expect to play so soon, above all because the team had picked up two successive wins.

"I felt very good and I think that I will be able to play without any problems."

The matches do not get any easier for Espanyol once they get Sevilla out of the way, with their next three clashes coming against local rivals Barcelona, champions Real Madrid and last season's runners-up Villarreal.

The Republic of Ireland international, 32, is not short of big-game experience from his time at Fulham and Liverpool though, adding: "They are key encounters, like the ones I've played in against Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.

"I've already experienced these types of games and I already knew the fixture list before coming here. I would like to play in them all."

-PA