Roy's Number One Target

AS he prepares for his West Ham United debut in front of a packed Boleyn Ground against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, Roy Carroll reveals his aims for the season.

The 27-year-old left Manchester United to join the Hammers back in June, but with the past now firmly behind him, the Northern Ireland international is just focussed on clean sheets and helping West Ham United to big things in their first season back in the Premiership.

"I can't wait to get the season started," explained Roy. "There's a huge amount of excitment around the Club at the moment and rightly so. Now we just want to get out on the pitch, do our best for the Club and hopefully make it a memorable first season back in the top-flight.

"Pre-season has been tough, but all the work we have done has been positive and there's a lot of belief within the squad that we can make an impact on the League this season.

"Hopefully I can play well, stay in the team and be part of a successful season. Of course it's going to be tough but this is a strong squad and we feel that we've got the quality and the spirit to survive this season."

Roy has certainly been impressed with the Hammers squad since he arrived on a free transfer from Old Trafford back in June. Indeed, the quality of the young players at the Club has particularly impressed the man who boasts Premier League and FA Cup Winners' medals.

"There are a lot of excellent young players at the Club," said Roy, "and overall I think the squad has a good balance between youth and experience. The manager has brought in some good players, but the squad that won promotion last season was strong anyway.

"Anton Ferdinand has got a lot of promise. I played with his brother at Manchester United and they have similar qualities in their athleticism and the way they read the game. They're also both very loud and when you hear Anton in the dressing-room it always makes me think it's Rio.

"Of course, there is also the likes of Mark Noble, Elliott Ward and a lot of other very promising young West Ham United players who will be hoping to do well in the Premier League this season

"I'm looking forward to going back to Old Trafford, but every game in the Premier League is going to be huge this season and from a players point of view it's important we stay focused and make sure we concentrate on the job we have to do.

"The manager has prepared the team well and I've been impressed with the way he has set out the pre-season programme. Everything has been done in the right manner and now we just have to go out and hopefully do it on the pitch."

Although he got his first taste of Upton Park action against Osasuna last weekend, Roy knows that it will be a totally different Boleyn Ground which welcomes him on Saturday. But for a player with Champions League experience behind him, big atmospheres are not something that will be fazing the big 'keeper.

"I enjoy playing on big stages," he explained. "As a footballer you want to play in front of the best crowds and in the biggest games. The more pressure the more you should relish the challenge, and I'm really looking forward to the home crowd getting behind us on Saturday.

"I'm sure it will be a big atmosphere and that's what we need, because there's nothing better than playing in a packed and noisy Stadium. Hopefully we can give the supporters plenty to cheer about on Saturday."