Upson expecting a battle (From The Argus)

Upson expecting a battle

5:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Sport By Andy Naylor

Albion defender Matt Upson expects to have his hands full against another Scottish striker at The Amex tonight.

The on-loan centre-half has been used to dealing with the likes of Duncan Ferguson during his top-flight career but he is still anticipating a test from Blackburn Rovers spearhead Jordan Rhodes.

Rhodes has scored in each of his last seven Championship outings, including a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Albion at Ewood Park three weeks ago, prior to Upson’s arrival from Stoke.

He has bagged 25 goals in total this season for former club Huddersfield, Rovers and Scotland and has moved ahead of the Seagulls’ leading marksman Craig Mackail-Smith on the international scene.

Upson told The Argus: “I haven’t seen a lot of him but I’ve heard a lot about him and if you look at his stats they are very impressive.

“He has obviously got some good movement and a sharp eye for goal. He looks on hot form and I am sure he will be a handful.”

Upson makes his third appearance for Albion tonight and 383rd of his career, including lengthy stints with Arsenal, Birmingham and West Ham.

He said: “I remember playing against Duncan Ferguson and in his prime he was pretty unplayable, then you look at people like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. They were different types and caused you different problems but all of them were world class in their own right really.”