Home Hopes For Paul

AT the start of this week full-back Paul Konchesky was concerned that he would not be playing against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

After receiving a controversial red card in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle, the 24-year-old defender was facing a suspension. But the FA Disciplinary Commission upheld Hammers appeal in midweek, which means Paul should line-up against Bolton.

He will do so knowing that another three points won at Upton Park would be a huge boost to Alan Pardew's squad, as they look to make the most of their home matches in the Premier League this season.

"Doing well at home is important for any team in the Premiership," he explained. "We obviously had a great start against Blackburn and we want to keep that going against Bolton this weekend.

"The supporters and the atmosphere inside the ground make Upton Park a difficult place for teams to come and play. The fans were tremendous against Blackburn, lifting us after we went a goal down, and it's that kind of backing that we'll be looking for throughout the season.

"It can definitely be worth a few points during the season and it's important because it is at home where we need to be doing well.

"I really enjoyed the Blackburn game. I've obviously played at Upton Park for other teams but that was my first time there for West Ham United and it was just a terrific experience.

"The response I got from the fans was unbelievable and as much as you just try and settle down and focus on playing your normal game, you can't help but get a huge boost from that kind of support."

Paul knows that Hammers will have to be at their best again to overcome Bolton, who won 2-0 against Newcastle on Wednesday night and will bring their hard-to-beat reputation to Upton Park on Saturday.

"Bolton are always a tough side to play against," he said. "They play to their strengths and give teams a lot of problems at set-pieces. But they're also a decent footballing side and we'll really have to be on our game come Saturday.

"But we'll go into the game with the same mentality, believing that we can win, and after our first two results there is plenty of confidence in the squad.

"We've played to a really high standard in both the games so far, and I think that might have surprised a few people. But we knew going into the season that this squad is capable of performing well and hopefully we'll show that again against Bolton on Saturday and keep our good start going."