Steven Finn believes some kind words from Michael Holding can help him establish himself in England's one-day international ranks.
Finn has targeted a strong showing in the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, to lay down a marker with England hosting the 2017 Champions Trophy and 2019 World Cup.
West Indies great Holding told Finn to "relax a bit and just get the job done" in a post-play interview for Sky Sports during England's drawn Test with Sri Lanka at Lord's.
England open their five-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, with Finn keen to hit full stride.
"To have someone who is a great of the game saying nice things about you, just pumping your tyres up a little bit, it's a great feeling," said Finn.
"I left that interview with a massive grin on my face because one of the best bowlers there has ever been thinks I'm a good bowler.
"That was my overriding thing from that interview, or that talking to, almost, from Michael Holding. If one of the greats of the game thinks I'm a good bowler, that's awesome.
"I've actually not had that much opportunity through my career to talk to Michael Holding. That's probably my own fault for not going and seeking him out.
"I know he's enjoyed my style of bowling from what I've listened to on the TV. Yes I would go back and talk to him at some point, and it would be interesting to hear as well.
"Obviously I've had issues with my approach to the crease over the years and he arguably had the most beautiful run-up there has ever been.
"To be called Whispering Death, that shows quite a bit about your approach to the crease. So it would be interesting to see what he saw and what he felt about that, most definitely."
Finn has openly admitted fighting for fluency with the ball at the start of the summer, but feels he made headway at Lord's, taking 3-59 in the first innings, and is aiming to adopt a more relaxed approach.
"I probably can be too hard on myself," said Finn, speaking at a Sri Lankan-inspired cooking event hosted by Royal London.
"I need to accept that I've got a very good Test record, and have confidence and belief in what I do with the ball. But I've also got a burning desire to get better. I don't want to just be as I am now, I want to learn new things as a bowler.
"People like Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad have shown, all the way through their career they've developed and got better and found new toys and skills, because it's fun as a bowler when you're doing these things.
"I can be hard on myself, but I'm learning to be a bit more realistic now. I'd say I've got a good record in one-day cricket for England but again that doesn't count for anything when you go into a series.
"Obviously I want to be a part of those squads for 2017 and 2019. It would be a massive thing to be able to play in a Champions Trophy and World Cup on home soil.
"I'm probably the most experienced bowler in the squad going into this series, so there is responsibility on me, but I think I've handled that well before and I'm looking to do so again."