Steve's Positive Promise

MIDFIELDER Steve Lomas insists Hammers performances against top Championship opposition this season proves Alan Pardew's team are well capable of taking all three points at Wigan on Saturday.

And Steve ensures the team are positive and raring to go as they head for two tough games in the North West in the space of four days.

"We are more than capable of beating the top sides in the division," Steve insisted. "Our results at Sunderland and Ipswich this season prove that. We played very well and dominated both those games. Now we need a similar performance at Wigan.

"They're certainly not going to make it easy. But the top sides in the League often try and play a bit more and generally give visiting teams more space to exploit. That works in our favour because this team is at its best when it has space to play in.

"Wigan will definitely pose a serious threat though. Everyone talks about the two players up front, Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts, and we'll have to be on our guard against them. But they've also got some creative players in midfield that have really impressed this season.

"Jimmy Bullard, who was on West Ham's books as a young professional, has gone on and done really well there and it's good to see him earning some praise."

Looking at the League table, Steve knows only too well that the last eight games will be vital to Hammers Play-off chances. And the experienced Northern Ireland international has a rough points total in mind that he believes West Ham need to aim for.

"There are 24 points up for grabs in the rest of the season and we need to win around 16 to be sure of making the Play-offs. That means we're going to have to visit some very tough places and get results.

"Unfortunately, two weeks ago we used up two great opportunities at home to get points on the board. Now we've got just three home games left and five away games, which is going to put added pressure on us on the road.

"But there's no reason why we can't do it. There is real quality in the squad and this is the time to prove it."

Sadly, Steve will not be able to play his part in the two vital games coming up. After recovering from a slight knee problem, which ruled him out against Crewe and Leicester, the 31-year-old featured for the Reserves in midweek only to suffer a calf strain.

"It's frsutrating to have picked up an injury at such a crucial time," he confessed. "I had a bit of a problem with my knee, but recovered from that and got back to full training. Then I went out in the Reserves to build some fitness and picked up another knock.

"It's also disappointing that Christian Dailly looks to have suffered a bit of a set-back this week, because at this stage of the season I think the team would benefit in having the senior players around.

"But lets hope we can all get back to fitness as soon as possible and hopefully help the Club secure a place in the Play-offs."