Yossi Benayoun insists that the confidence gained from
West Ham United's last two Premiership results will be a key
factor going into Saturday's clash at Middlesbrough.
However, the Israeli midfielder also admits that Hammers can not
afford to rest on their laurels as they prepare to face a team
level on points in the lower reaches of the league table.
"Everyone is confident," he says, "but just because
we have won two games, doesn't mean that we sit back. We have
11 points and want to get more, because although there have been
two great wins for us, we still have to get the points to move us
up the league further.
"The game against Arsenal, it was looking like maybe we would
get a point and certainly a clean sheet, which would have been
okay, but we kept working and got what I feel was a reward scoring
in the last few minutes, so yes, there has been an extra lift to
everyone from that and it's been good."
"Middlesbrough have not had the best of times but have some
good players and we have to show them respect," adds Yossi.
"We have good belief amongst us that we can go there and get a
result, but it won't be easy and it will be a case of working
really hard."
In the games against Blackburn and Arsenal, Yossi has been a major
part of the victories, making assists for goals and generally
showing why he is a vital cog in the West Ham midfield, but the
modest 26-year-old explains that he is just doing his job for the
team.
"I am pleased when someone tells me I am doing well," he
says, "but it is a team effort always and I am just part of
that. I am sent out onto the pitch by the manager to play my part
in the team and to try and help us win, says the skilful
midfielder.
"By that I have to make sure I try to play the best I can. I
think personally, I can still play better, I have got over little
injuries I had and there is more to come from me
"But I always think like that because you always want to
improve yourself and that will hopefully help your team at the same
time."
Following the trip to Teeside this weekend, Yossi will once again
be leading his fellow countrymen of Israel out as captain for their
match with Croatia next Wednesday in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
But while he always looks forward to representing his country, the
midfielder is only focusing on one thing at the moment.
He says: "Israel are in a tight group and obviously we want to
play well and win against what is a very good Croatia side. But for
me, any thoughts about playing in that match will be put aside
because the most important thing coming up for me is West Ham's
match with Middlesbrough.
"We want to continue the hard work and spirit that has seen us
get two good wins in the last couple of weeks. We don't to rest
on that, we want to have this good feeling and reward that comes
from winning games, so we will be going to Middlesbrough to carry
that on if we can."
by Laura Burkin