Carroll's Munich Start

ONE player certainly looking forward to tomorrow's clash with TSV Munich 1860 at the brand new Allianz Arena is goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

The new-arrival from Manchester United looks set for his second outing in a Hammers shirt in this match to commemorate 40 years since Hammers, led by Bobby Moore, lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup against Munich 1860 at Wembley.

It promises to be a grand occasion for fans of both clubs, and as a player with his fair share of European experience, Carroll is looking forward to the night.

"It should be a big night for both clubs and hopefully I can start the game and put in a good performance," he said. "It's been a hard pre-season and we've all been working hard.

"The week in Sweden was tough and the players were worked really hard, with double sessions in between the games. It's been a similar programme since we got back, but that is what pre-season is all about and it feels like the squad are making plenty of progress.

"I haven't played a great deal so far, but the training I've been doing has made me sharper and I'm looking forward to the Munich game as a chance to get a competitve match under my belt.

"For a goalkeeper, there's nothing better than an actual match to test the reflexes, so it'll be good to get out on the pitch. I've heard it's an excellent stadium as well so it should be a really good night."

Carroll has arrived at West Ham United with a wealth of Premier League experience, something that will surely help his team-mates as many look to attack the top-flight for the first time.

The 27-year-old is hoping that he can use his knowledge of top-class football to help the Hammers this term and believes the Club can achieve more than mere survival.

"Survival is obviously the aim, but we can do better than that and we're aiming for more than that," he said. "It's no good setting your targets low, because that doesn't generate the right atmopshere or attitude around the club.

"Of course, the Premier League is one of the toughest divisions in the world, with some of the best players and teams in Europe. But this is a high-quality squad at West Ham and if we can keep the level of spirit and determination that we have at the moment then we'll have every chance of suprising a few people.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work, but believe me that's already well under way and there is a lot of belief and optimism surrounding the squad at the moment. If we can take that into the start of the season then who knows.

"I'm just going to be focussing on first of all winning a place in the team and, if I can do that, then doing my best for the Club. Stephen Bywater is an excellent goalkeeper and Jimmy Walker is still to come back from injury, so my first-team place is certainly not guaranteed.

"I have to do well to make sure I play, just like everyone else in the team, and that is an encourgaing situation for the Club."