As Hammers approach a hectic schedule of five games in the
space of 11 days, Christian Dailly insists that the fringe players
in Alan Pardew's squad will have a key role to play in our bid
for success.
The Scottish international defender stepped off the bench in extra-time just after Marlon Harewood had grabbed what proved to be the winning goal against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup fifth round replay on Wednesday night and, having played his part in seeing out the victory, admits that he was just pleased to grab a taste of the action.
"It was a great result and, from my point of view, nice to come on and help out towards the end," says Christian.
"I seem to always come on at that difficult time when we are holding on to a lead but if it works for the team then I am just glad to do a job and be a part of everything.
"I was ready for a bit of an aerial bombardment when I came on but, to be honest, I thought we coped well with what Bolton had to offer in the closing stages. They can be very direct at times but, when you look back at it, I think we were very solid in extra-time.
"Obviously it's not ideal having to play the quarter-final just five days later, especially with an important game against Portsmouth on Saturday, but we just have to get on with it and be ready when needed."
Of course, the visit of Pompey at the weekend signals the return of former Hammers chief Harry Redknapp and, while Christian admits that he looking forward to bumping into the man who brought him to Upton Park back in January 2001, there will be no sentiment on show once the game is underway.
"Harry will be well received I'm sure, and he'll be hoping it will be a good time to play us given that we have the cup game on Monday," says Christian.
"It's up to us to prove that isn't the case. The Premiership is obviously very important and, with a route to Europe still available through our league position, we want to make sure that we keep all our options open.
"We've got a lot of games coming up now, but it keeps the excitement going for everyone at the Club. It's a squad game, and all of the players will need to be on their toes and ready if called upon."
The Scottish international defender stepped off the bench in extra-time just after Marlon Harewood had grabbed what proved to be the winning goal against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup fifth round replay on Wednesday night and, having played his part in seeing out the victory, admits that he was just pleased to grab a taste of the action.
"It was a great result and, from my point of view, nice to come on and help out towards the end," says Christian.
"I seem to always come on at that difficult time when we are holding on to a lead but if it works for the team then I am just glad to do a job and be a part of everything.
"I was ready for a bit of an aerial bombardment when I came on but, to be honest, I thought we coped well with what Bolton had to offer in the closing stages. They can be very direct at times but, when you look back at it, I think we were very solid in extra-time.
"Obviously it's not ideal having to play the quarter-final just five days later, especially with an important game against Portsmouth on Saturday, but we just have to get on with it and be ready when needed."
Of course, the visit of Pompey at the weekend signals the return of former Hammers chief Harry Redknapp and, while Christian admits that he looking forward to bumping into the man who brought him to Upton Park back in January 2001, there will be no sentiment on show once the game is underway.
"Harry will be well received I'm sure, and he'll be hoping it will be a good time to play us given that we have the cup game on Monday," says Christian.
"It's up to us to prove that isn't the case. The Premiership is obviously very important and, with a route to Europe still available through our league position, we want to make sure that we keep all our options open.
"We've got a lot of games coming up now, but it keeps the excitement going for everyone at the Club. It's a squad game, and all of the players will need to be on their toes and ready if called upon."