Big John boosts Big Sam

John Carew has told West Ham TV of his mixed emotions following Sunday's 2-2 npower Championship draw with Leeds United.

The 6'7 Norway striker made a big impression on his Hammers debut, holding the ball up well and coming close to scoring on a number of occasions.

Unfortunately for Carew, his big day was ruined when Leeds netted an added-time equaliser through midfielder Adam Clayton.

However, the experienced 31-year-old believes the highlights will far outweigh the disappointments over the coming season.

"It was good to finally get my debut and the fans were amazing," said Carew, who could make his first West Ham start in Wednesday's Carling Cup first-round tie with Aldershot Town. "It was a great atmosphere so I was just happy for that but I was disappointed we couldn't get all three points in the end, but that's football.

"I was happy to finally get started."

The new No11 has settled in quickly at the Boleyn Ground and figures to be an influential figure throughout the current campaign.

While he has been in east London for little more than a week, Carew has already assessed that West Ham have more than enough quality and experience in the squad to mount a successful promotion challenge this term.

"Of course everybody was disappointed because Leeds scored in the last minute, but we will correct those things and small details and continue getting better I'm sure. I'm also sure that we'll win a lot of games this season.

"We had a lot of chances and could easily have scored two or three goals more and that made it even more disappointing in the end - that we couldn't get all three points.

"We just have to continue attacking well like that and we will win a lot of games."