If the homework completed before his move is anything to go by, the Barclays Premier League is unlikely to hold many surprises for new participant José Bosingwa.

With Sunday the primary day for league football back in Portugal, homework in the case of our new right-back has been spending time indoors studying intently English football on screen in front of him.

'I watched a lot of games on a Saturday,' Bosingwa confirms. 'I could watch three or four English games in Portugal so I knew the game is more physical and faster - but I like fast football so it doesn't concern me at all.

'I also spoke with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and he told me it is a more competitive league and a faster type of football because they seem to be more professional in terms of working hard on the pitch.. It's a different type of football than other countries.'

Bosingwa has just one month to go to put his inside information to the test but in his diary, it's November 9 and a visit to Lancashire he has picked out as a special test.

'I know this is a very strong league with lots of good players but the one that stands out in my mind is [Morten Gamst] Pedersen from Blackburn.

'I like to see him play, he is a great left-sided player, and it will be great to go up against him. You always want to face good players.

'He is not a typical left forward, he doesn't play one-on-one. He likes to bring players into the game but he is also fast and he likes to cross the balls very quickly - so it is difficult to play against him and I like this style of play.'

Pedersen has so far enjoyed only one Premier League win against Chelsea in seven attempts, and that was a game after the Blues had secured the title in 2006. Bosingwa will be keen to maintain the good record against Rovers should he be selected, another a tough challenge to face.

'Chelsea is the one to benefit. We have three international right-backs and we have been training together well. We are going to work hard and fight for our positions.

'I came to the club that showed most interest in me. I only heard about interest from Man United in the press, I never heard directly from the club. I think that I came to the right club and I am happy that I did so.'