Newport boss Michael Flynn is ready to prove the apprentice has become the master when he faces mentor Tony Pulis.
The Exiles go to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday having already knocked out Leicester this season.
Welshmen Flynn and Pulis are friends away from the dugout, with Boro chief Pulis having offered advice to rookie manager Flynn, who has been in management less than two years.
But while 37-year-old Flynn will share a drink with Pulis afterwards, their friendship is on hold.
He said: "He's probably got me some nice Welsh lager. It's all about showing respect to the opposition manager and Tony is someone I've spoken to in the past when I've looked for advice, and I'll be all ears on the weekend after the game.
"We haven't had contact this week, we're professional, we want to beat each other. We won't be friends this week, there will not be any good luck messages.
"I know he'll look after me after the game and he'll make me feel welcome win, lose or draw. That's the kind of man he is, he's driven, passionate and definitely not soft.
"I know Tony, he will be taking this seriously. He did that against Peterborough and they won 5-0. He won't be doing us any favours, he's ruthless and he's a winner and it's going to be interesting.
"I want to win and that's it. I never play for a replay.
"We can win. If there is anyone who doesn't think we can, there is no point in them travelling."
Newport's 2-1 victory over Leicester was their first over a top flight team since 1964 and they also dumped Leeds out last season.
Flynn's side forced Tottenham into a fourth-round replay as well, before losing 2-0 at Wembley.
And Flynn, who is without defender Fraser Franks and has doubts over captain Andrew Crofts, knows they have exceeded expectations.
"The boys keep raising the bar and they deserve all the credit I can give them," he said.
"I'm sure they're getting that adoration from the supporters because the last year in the FA Cup has been phenomenal.
"Our results have been incredible and we're going to go there and give it our best shot.
"We know it's going to be really tough. We haven't got the advantage of the home crowd and home comforts, but it's a football pitch with two goals and 22 players."
