Martin Lee says he will thrive in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Britain's Davis Cup tie against Thailand, which begins in Birmingham tomorrow.

Lee, the British No.3 from East Preston, will have a major role to play after Greg Rusedski pulled out this week with a heel injury.

There is also a doubt about Tim Henman's ability to complete his full quota of matches as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

But Lee is ready to take responsibility and make his debut in a live rubber as Great Britain bid to return to the world group.

He said: "I will not be daunted. I have nothing to fear. I will go out and have a go.

"I love a big crowd and like the pressure. I can show what I can do. It is the sort of occasion I have trained hard for. It is great to be a part of it.

"I know what the atmosphere will be like. I experienced it when we played Sweden earlier this year. It was incredible.

"Even though I did not play, I shared every experience with my team-mates. The energy is unbelievable and I was drained at the end.

"To be a part of a team, helping each other and representing your country is the ultimate. I want this.

"I have been playing at this level for a year-and-a-half now against the top guys and feel ready."

Lee, who played and won a 'dead' rubber in Ecuador last year, has topped up his confidence with a visit to sports psychologist Gloria Budd.

He said: "We spoke about Davis Cup and how to deal with the pressure, to block everything else out and get into a zone where I am fully concentrated."

Lee is not worried about the drop in his world ranking from 100 to 163. He said: "My form has been okay. I have maintained a high enough ranking to play major tour events all year against some tough opposition. I have got close to beating many leading players."

Lee, who had 19 break points against US Open champion Pete Sampras at Wimbledon this year, could face three matches in three days.

He said: "That would be a tough schedule, mentally as well as physically, but I would be able to deal with it."

Thailand include the Srichaphan brothers, Paradorn and Naratorn.

Lee said: "Paradorn beat Andre Agassi at Wimbledon and has gone on a good run since, beating Marat Safin last week."

Arvind Parmar and Miles Maclagan make up the British team.