Jose Fonte can't wait for date with Paulo Sousa

Jose Fonte will achieve a lifetime's ambition when he faces boyhood hero Paulo Sousa tomorrow.

The Crystal Palace defender was a huge fan of Queens Park Rangers boss Sousa when he was growing up in Lisbon.

Sousa is an icon in Portugal after winning 51 caps as part of the country's 'golden generation' and claiming two Champions Leagues at Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. Fonte, 24, has been filled in on his coaching prowess by his brother, Rui, an Arsenal trainee who played for Sousa in Portugal's Under-18s.

Ahead of tomorrow's clash at Selhurt Park Fonte said said: "Sousa is a huge figure in Portugal. He gained so much respect because he was a massive player for the national team and he played for some of Europe's biggest clubs.

"Maybe there was a bit of surprise that he is managing QPR but he is very respected in Italy and Flavio Briatore is Italian so that must have played a part.

"He knows the game extremely well and I have so much respect for him. It will be an honour to play against him."