ASHLEY Eastham was only a baby when Keith Curle was playing at the top for Manchester City.
But the youngster believes the Notts County boss can now help him come of age as a defender.
Eastham, 21, has joined the Magpies on a one-month loan from Blackpool and could make his debut against Carlisle United in League One.
He was actually born in the same year that Curle became City's £2.5m club record signing – 1991.
He says Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, who was best man at Curle's wedding, told him all about Curle's career, in which he was also capped three times by England.
"I'm too young to know much about the gaffer, but I was told all about him before I came here," he said.
"Ian Holloway sat me down and told me about his career at the top and said if I go on to have half the career he did I won't do badly.
"Fingers crossed, I can learn from him and the other centre-halves here.
"I've not played under a manager who was a centre-half so it will be good."
Eastham only joined Notts a day before their home defeat to League One leaders Tranmere Rovers so was only named on the subs' bench.
But he hopes to be pushing for a start at Brunton Park, after a full week of training with his new team-mates.
He has experience of League One, having played 25 league games for Bury last season, so he feels ready to make an impact with the Magpies – and earn a longer loan deal.
"I just want to get out there and impress," he added.
"I'm here for a month initially, but the gaffer has told me I've got a platform to go out and perform and if I do, it could be extended."
