ROLAND Lamah is hoping to become the latest Belgian to shine in the Premier League after sealing a loan switch to Swansea City.
Belgium captain Vincent Kompany led Manchester City to the title last season, while the likes of Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini and Jan Vertonghen are others to shine in the division.
Now Lamah aims to make a similar splash during an 18-month spell in South Wales.
"Hopefully I can follow the likes of Hazard and Kompany," he said.
"It's good that Belgian players are doing so well.
"I hope I can play very well here and get back into the national team and help Belgium to get to the World Cup."
Lamah has been capped five times by his country, but not featured for them since a 2-0 friendly win against Qatar back in November 2009.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Lamah moved to Belgium when he was 15, playing first for Vise and then Anderlecht.
He spent a loan spell with Dutch outfit Roda JC before switching to France.
The 25-year-old played for Le Mans until 2011 when he was signed by Spanish side Osasuna.
Lamah left the club bottom of La Liga after Hazard helped convince him to join Swansea.
"I have friends in the Premier League from Belgium, Togo, the Ivory Coast. (Emmanuel) Adebayor, Hazard, (Cheick) Tiote of Newcastle and Fellaini," he said.
"I spoke to Hazard before making my decision. He said he thinks I will feel good here.
"I hope to play against him next week.
"He said Swansea are a good club to come to and it's very complicated to play against them."
Lamah is not eligible for tonight's FA Cup replay against Arsenal as he was not registered with Swansea before the original tie.
But he is contention to feature against Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday.
The forward, who can play on either wing or through the middle, will have a year left to run on his Osasuna contract once his loan in South Wales ends.
But it is thought Swansea can buy him for around £2 million at that point. "I'm happy to be here. I know Swansea are a good team and they play good football," said Lamah.
"Swansea is a good family and a good place to learn and grow up.
"I'm excited to play games quickly here.
"Michael was a big attraction for me. He was a good player before and he has a good personality. It's important for me and the team."
Lamah watched Swansea's win against Chelsea last Wednesday.
"A 2-0 win is very good. It helped convince me to sign," he added.
"It has been an ambition to play in the Premier League. Every player wants to play here. It's a good league with good players. The fans are exciting.
"Michu's a good player and everyone in France, Spain and the Ivory Coast is talking about him.
"I didn't play against him in Spain because I was injured. I'm happy to start to play alongside him now."
