Bobby's Starting Time

BOBBY Zamora forced his way back into the thoughts of Alan Pardew with a well-taken headed goal in the 3-0 win over Coventry.

The former Spurs and Brighton striker has been overshadowed by the form of Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood for much of this season, but came off the bench to score his sxith goal of the season on Saturday.

Local-boy Bobby would naturally love to be fully involved in Hammers fight for promotion, but insists that if he has to prove himself from the subs bench then that's exactly what he'll do.

"Teddy and Marlon have been on fire recently," he confessed, "so I've had to settle for a place on the bench. Obviously I'd like to be starting more games, but it's the results that matter and we've had three really important wins over the past week that have put us right back into Play-off contention.

"I'm getting quite used to coming off the bench now and adapting to the pace of the game. Like every player in the squad I want to play, but I'll take whatever place in the team I can get and just focus on doing the best I can.

"Hopefully, I can do my bit for the team over these last five games and make sure we get a place in the Play-offs. With these last three results we've given ourselves a great chance, but there's still plenty to do."

Reflecting on the win against Coventry, and a fine second-half performance in which Bobby fully played his part, the 24-year-old striker confesses that the three points were vital and very well deserved.

"It was such an important win," he said. "After working so hard to win the two away games it would have been a massive disappointment not to win in front of our own fans.

"No disrespect to Coventry because they played very well and made it tough for us. But we kept plugging away and got the reward in the end.

"The gaffer brought Matty Etherington on for the second-half as another attacking option and he had a hand in all three goals.

"From my point of view, it was nice to round off the win with a goal and complete what was a very good week."

But Bobby confessed that there has been no time for the Hammers to dwell on their achievements as they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling London derby clash against Millwall this Saturday.

"The Millwall game is another huge one for us," he admitted. "From now until the end of the season every game is going to be very tough, but the visit of Millwall is always one that the fans look forward to.

"It's another game where the three points are going to be crucial and we've got to go out there, be positive and make sure we get the crowd behind us early on.

"The West Ham fans have a huge part to play in every game, but against Millwall they will be even more vital. Hopefully, they'll really get behind us on Saturday and we can come away with another very important win."

* Hammers fans wishing to attend West Ham United's match against Millwall this Saturday, kick-off 12.00pm, are reminded that all tickets must be purchased in advance of matchday. No tickets will be available to purchase on the day of the game.