Carrick Competes

Michael Carrick admits that competition for places at Upton Park is starting to intensify.

With Steve Lomas and Joe Cole nearer to full fitness after their substitute comebacks on Monday night at Charlton, Michael says: "It was good to see them back and it means there is good competition for places which keeps all the lads on their toes.

"But it was a felt weird feeling on Monday night, as if we had lost the game.

"It was not a pretty match through the midfield and we are disappointed. Alhough it was some finish from Jermain for the fourth, real quality, it should have been the winner.

"As for Kits, the boys are chuffed to bits for him. He has had a few niggly injuries but you can't ask any more than a hat-trick.

"Every game we seem to play is end to end, so Upton Park will be the place to be this weekend, but we will take a 1-0 and hopefully get that win."