Walking On Water

LAST Saturday against Norwich City, Jimmy Walker returned to the Hammers side, just as he has done for every cup-tie this season.

And, drawing on his last outing against Chelsea in the Carling Cup when he pulled off a string of fine saves, the former Walsall goalkeeper made light of his recent inactivity with a match-winning display against the Canaries.

But, having helped the Hammers into the FA Cup Fourth Round, Walker is now waiting to find out if his excellent display has earned him his first League start of the campaign at Wolves this weekend.

"It was great to be back in the side against Norwich," exclaimed Jimmy. "I was out for about four weeks with a groin injury before Christmas and to be honest I was surprised to recover as quickly as I did.

"I wasn't certain that I'd be picked against Norwich, especially after just getting back, but the manager has given me all the Cup games this season and I was just glad to be out there again after a long time out of action.

"It was a brilliant game to be involved in and to knock a Premiership side out of the FA Cup has been a fantastic lift for the lads.

"I love the FA Cup. The games always get the crowd going and it makes a nice change from League football.

"But it's back to business this week and hopefully we can carry the winning habit with us into the Wolves game."

After making just three appearances since arriving on a free transfer from Walsall last summer, the 31-year-old was shocked by the reception he received from the Upton Park crowd.

"The fans have been superb to me since I came here," he admitted, "and I was delighted with the reception I got against Norwich.

"They are a terrific crowd and it was good to give them a win on Saturday. For me personally, it was fantastic to be playing at Upton Park in front of a big crowd.

"My other two home games were both cup-ties against slightly lesser teams, but the atmosphere against Norwich was really enjoyable.

"Of course, I was pleased with my own performance, even a bit surprised. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to make some good saves during the game and now we'll just have to wait and see what happens this weekend."

Jimmy has got used to waiting so far this season, recognising that he must bide his time behind the ever-reliable Stephen Bywater. But despite the respect he has for his teammate and rival, Jimmy admits it has been difficult to sit on the sidelines at times.

"Stephen is a great goalkeeper," he said, "and there's no shame in sitting out to someone of his ability.

"I've just tried to keep my head down, give everything I've got in training and just do as much as I can to impress the manager.

"I'm really eager to do well for the Club. My aim has always been to cement a regular place in the first-team and I don't think I did my chances any harm against Norwich.

"But it's how it should be, having two goalkeepers pushing each other hard for a place in the first-team.

"Steve's a great lad, we work well together in training and he's got a bright future in the game.

"I played a lot of games at Walsall and when I came here I wasn't used to sitting on the bench, but that's football and you just have to be professional and get on with it.

"It's been a bit difficult at times. After being used to playing every week it's taken some getting used to.

"I've certainly been through the full range of emotions over the past few months and it was just really good to be back in the side again.

"I don't know whether I'll keep my place, but if the team can build on the way we played against Norwich then we've got every chance of getting another important result at Wolves."