Nigel's Young Hopes

NIGEL Reo-Coker believes the form of Academy graduates such as Anton Ferdinand and Mark Noble is brilliant news for West Ham United.

Nigel, who is continuing his recovery from an ankle injury, has been impressed by the performances of close-friend Ferdinand at the heart of the Hammers defence this season.

He said: "Anton has performed superbly all season. He's coped very well with the step up to the Premiership and has proved himself to be one of the best young defenders in the country.

"There were some people who doubted him at this level, but he's shown that he is good enough to play at the top.

"Anton has got the ability to achieve very good things for the Club. If he can stay focussed and keep working hard then he can have a bright future."

Nigel has been similarly impressed by the form of 18-year-old Noble since the teenager came into the side to replace him for the 1-1 draw with Spurs.

Nigel added: "For his age Mark's ability is frightening. He's a genuine all-round midfielder and at his age that is very rare. He does a bit of everything and most importantly he does it well.

"He tackles, passes, scores goals and tries a few tricks as well. He'll definitely be a fans favourite at the Club and his potential is enormous.

"It just proves that the West Ham United Academy is at its best, because there are so many quality kids coming through."

Nigel will miss out on Saturday's trip to Blackburn as he recovers from the ankle injury that he sustained at West Brom. But he believes the three points at Birmingham were vital and will set the team up well for their trip to Ewood Park.

"It's games against teams like Birmingham that are the really important ones for us," he said. "The games against the likes of Manchester United are great, but it's doing well against the teams around you that is important.

"That's why beating Birmingham was a big result for us. It's a tough place to go and to come away with three points has given the team a huge boost.

"Blackburn is another tough one and then Everton, but hopefully we can put in two more strong performances and take something out of those games as well."