Craig Cathcart says he corrected Steven Davis after the legendary Northern Ireland captain started calling him "skipper".
Cathcart will lead his country once again on Sunday night for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland at Windsor Park.
The Watford defender was named captain after injuries to both Davis and Jonny Evans.
Read more: Michael O'Neill bats away 'emotion' questions ahead of Windsor return
Cathcart enjoyed a winning night on Thursday when Northern Ireland beat San Marino in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
And he hopes they can back it up with another three points against Finland.
Rangers midfielder Davis - who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury - watched Michael O'Neill's squad train on Saturday as they continued their preparations at Windsor Park.
Stuart Dallas also visited the squad as he closes in on a return from long-term injury.
On Davis calling him "skipper", Cathcart joked: “I told him not to call me that around you. It’s not a term I’m comfortable with, but he tried to wind me up a little bit.
“It was great to lead them out at San Marino on Thursday. It’ll be even more special at Windsor Park, especially in Michael’s first game back. The atmosphere will be brilliant.
“Maybe Michael will give us a tear or two if we qualify. I have only ever seen him come close to crying after a few late nights.”
Meanwhile, O'Neill believes the visit of Davis and Dallas can inspire some of Northern Ireland's younger players ahead of Sunday's crunch Euro qualifier.
“It’s brilliant for Steven and Stuart to be here,” O’Neill said. “I think it’s good for the medical team to see where they are, get their hands on them as well.
“It’s a bit of a change for the players as well. When you’ve got long-term injuries, their clubs are brilliant, but sometimes you need a change of scenery and they’ve had that the last couple of days.
“They add a lot. We’ve got a lot of younger players in the squad and for them to see Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas about the place, it can only be a positive.”
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