Matthew Upson has paid tribute to West Ham United captain Mark Noble ahead of his testimonial at Upton Park on Monday.
The midfielder, who has been with the Hammers since the age of 13, will have his services honoured by the club next week against a West Ham all-star XI.
Upson played with Noble in East London for four years, and the ex-Arsenal defender cannot speak highly enough of the tenacious 28-year-old.
"He epitomises everything that West Ham is about, really. His commitment and tenacity over the years, playing in the middle of the park, stands out," he told the Irons' official website.
"His passion for the club does too, and that really filters into his game. He's a great lad as a person too, and when you first join the club, he's one of the first to welcome you in. He's a local player and he's been there his whole career, so he knows the club inside out.
"He's such a warming, welcoming character, especially when you first sign."
Noble made his Hammers debut at the age of 17 and has since developed into a key figure for the club.
Shane Callaghan
