Noble's Dream Start

PLAYING in the Premier League for West Ham United has been midfielder Mark Noble's dream for just about as long as he can remember.

That dream came true on Saturday when after 84 minutes of the 3-1 win over Blackburn the 18-year-old Academy graduate replaced Hayden Mullins to a standing ovation.

"It was just unbelievable," said Mark, taking up the story. "I was sitting on the bench, warming up and just hoping that I'd get a chance.

"When we made it 3-1 with 10 minutes to go I thought there might be more of a chance, because the gaffer might want some fresh legs in midfield to see the game out.

"In those last ten minutes I just remember warming up on the touchline and praying that I'd come on. The atmosphere was just so incredible any player would have been desperate to get on in that game.

"So, when my time came I just couldn't wait to get out there. Even though I've played for the first-team before it was almost like making my debut all over again.The excitment was incredible and I just wanted as many touches as possible and to get involved as quickly as I could.

"Playing in the Premier League is what every player dreams about as a kid, and I was certainly no different. It's a dream come true and hopefully I can push on from here and get some more games in at this level.

"It's a big step up from the Championship, but my aim is to play more games this season and hopefully push for a regular place in the side. To think that I could be playing for West Ham United at some of the top grounds in the world against some of the best teams is just incredible for me."

Despite attending Upton Park regularly as both a player and supporter, Mark admits that he has rarely seen the Boleyn Ground crowd in such good voice. And he insisted that the Hammers faithful more than played their part in the fantastic comeback against Blackburn, after Alan Pardew's men trailed 1-0 at half-time.

"The crowd were fantastic and they made a real difference against Blackburn," he explained. "It was a tough start for us, Blackburn got on top a bit, but when they scored our fans just started cheering and encouraging us.

"As a player, there's no better feeling than that and I know it gave the lads a tremendous boost. I think it showed in our performance, because after their goal we really came back at them and had a good spell at the end of the first-half.

"Then we came out firing for the second-half. Teddy's goal got things started, Nigel scored a briliant second and Matty's third rounded things off for us. It was important that we stayed really focused in the second-half, but we weren't distracted and did a good job."

Hammers will now look to take their opening day form to the North East as they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park. Mark knows it will be a tough assignment, but like the rest of the Hammers squad, is not short on belief.

"Newcastle is a really tough place to get a result," he confessed, "but we got off to a really good start and now it's important that we keep our concentration and make sure we keep the momentum going.

"It's a great Stadium up there, and this squad always seems to respond well to the big occasions. Hopefully we can do that again on Saturday. The result is the most important thing, but if I can be involved then it would be fantastic."