Bobby Zamora is hoping to play a major part in West Ham
United's bid for a memorable finish to our first campaign back
in the Premiership.
The man who rose to the big occasion when he fired us into the top flight with the winning goal in our Championship play-off triumph at the end of last season, now has his sights set on winning a place in the starting line-up as Alan Pardew's men aim for FA Cup glory and a top eight league placing.
Bobby came on as a 70th minute substitute for Matthew Etherington in the 2-1 victory at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, and admits he is eager to enjoy a more influential role.
"Myself and Teddy came on and just tried to work hard for the team," he says. "It's tough to get into the game when there's only 15 or 20 minutes left, but you just try and put yourself about as much as possible and use the ball wisely.
"There's a lot of football to be played in the next few weeks, but it's a squad game, and we'll all have to be on our toes. We're looking forward to it and, from my point of view, I just want to play as big a part as I can."
Reflecting on the impressive win at the JJB Stadium, Bobby admits that a hangover from Monday's FA Cup quarter-final win at Manchester City might have been apparent in the first half, a problem that was certainly rectified as Hammers fought back after the break.
"I think the lads were feeling a bit tired, to be honest, but we showed great character and the gaffer used his subs well again," he says. "It was a tough game, Wigan are a very organised team and they were always going to make it difficult for us.
"The lads showed a great spirit, though, digging deep after a tough game on Monday night and it was a lovely feeling to nick it like that at the end.
"It was a good finish from Nigel but we're not sure what he was doing in the six-yard box. I think he had a nosebleed, but the doctor has checked him out now and he's okay!"
The man who rose to the big occasion when he fired us into the top flight with the winning goal in our Championship play-off triumph at the end of last season, now has his sights set on winning a place in the starting line-up as Alan Pardew's men aim for FA Cup glory and a top eight league placing.
Bobby came on as a 70th minute substitute for Matthew Etherington in the 2-1 victory at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, and admits he is eager to enjoy a more influential role.
"Myself and Teddy came on and just tried to work hard for the team," he says. "It's tough to get into the game when there's only 15 or 20 minutes left, but you just try and put yourself about as much as possible and use the ball wisely.
"There's a lot of football to be played in the next few weeks, but it's a squad game, and we'll all have to be on our toes. We're looking forward to it and, from my point of view, I just want to play as big a part as I can."
Reflecting on the impressive win at the JJB Stadium, Bobby admits that a hangover from Monday's FA Cup quarter-final win at Manchester City might have been apparent in the first half, a problem that was certainly rectified as Hammers fought back after the break.
"I think the lads were feeling a bit tired, to be honest, but we showed great character and the gaffer used his subs well again," he says. "It was a tough game, Wigan are a very organised team and they were always going to make it difficult for us.
"The lads showed a great spirit, though, digging deep after a tough game on Monday night and it was a lovely feeling to nick it like that at the end.
"It was a good finish from Nigel but we're not sure what he was doing in the six-yard box. I think he had a nosebleed, but the doctor has checked him out now and he's okay!"