Ward's Big Step

FEW would argue that big defender Elliott Ward is capable of some pretty giant steps.

And it's in those gigantic strides that the 20-year-old is taking preparation for the biggest game of his career.

"It's important that we're relaxed and confident going into the game," he assured. "It's going to be a massive atmosphere and without doubt the biggest match of my career.

"But you can't get too carried away in all of that. I'm just making sure I stay focused and concentrate fully on the game.

"The first leg is out the way now and as a team we're not going to dwell too much on it. There were plenty of positives we have taken from our performance, particularly in the first-half, and also some things that we know we've got to do better.

"Certainly it's going to be important that we keep things tight and make sure their crowd don't get anything to cheer early on. Then we can look to play our own football going forward, because we're confident that we've got the ability in the team to score against them."

The crowd is one thing Elliott believes will again be important to the team, even though the army of travelling Hammers will be dwarfed in numbers by an expectant Portman Road audience.

"Our fans have been fantastic all season," he said. "When you come into the first-team and play at Upton Park for the first time the crowd is one of things that stays with you.

"The atmosphere they create is incredible and it can make Upton Park a very intimidating place. Away from home our fans are just as important and we'll be looking for them to help us through on Wednesday night.

"We believe that we can do it and hopefully they believe in us as well. Their support, home or away, always spurs us on and we'll be giving them everything on Wednesday."

The ultra-positive Elliott reveals that the squad have shown no signs of negativity, despite being disappointed that the tie was not finished at Upton Park. And the defender believes Hammers have players that will thrive on the big occasion at Portman Road.

"We've proved this season that we can really respond to the big occasions," he said. "We've gone to some tough places, when people haven't expected us to win, and we've come out on top.

"That's a mark of the belief and strength we have in the squad. The game is going to be tough and tense, but it's in those kind of environments when we've really produced our best this season. 

"Ipswich are probably the favourites now, and that suits us just fine. We've upset the odds on more than one occasion this season and there's no reason why we can't do it again.

"The season basically boils down to this one game, that's how important it is. We've got to do it and we know that nothing less than a win will do."