No doubting for Thomas

Thomas Hitzlsperger is certain that West Ham United have the positive mentality needed to stay up.

The German international has had a galvanising impact on the Hammers since returning to fitness, helping the side to two successive wins. A third one this afternoon against Stoke City would be dramatic for the hopes of avoiding relegation.

"It's pretty straightforward," Hitzlsperger said. The way we approach the game is important and getting into being positive and believing we can beat these teams is the key. We can do it. It doesn't matter if we're playing Man United or Stoke next week, they are all big games.

"We want to stay in the league because we have been in the bottom three for most of the season and now there are only ten games left.

"It's hard enough as we know the teams we are going to play against are very good and the next one against Stoke will be tough. They are a different side with a different style of football. It's close down there. There are so many that could still get relegated so it will be a fight to the very last day."

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Hitzlsperger has a fearsome left foot, as he showed earlier in his career at Aston Villa and in helping VfB Stuttgart to win the Bundesliga. He is well aware the fans are expecting dynamite every time he gets near the goal.

"It doesn't bother me that the fans want me to shoot. It's nice that they pick up on it and nice to have support. But I don't want to shoot all the time, although I have plenty of opportunities. It's probably not wise to shoot every time."

He is not the only one shouldering the responsibility. Scott Parker has been in a rich vein of scoring form and Hitzlsperger is relishing playing alongside his midfield partner.

"Scott is very influential, a top-class player. If we all defend well we create space for him to get on the ball. He does everything very well and we are lucky to have him.

"It's only the second game I've played with him but I've watched him before and he's shone out. He plays well consistently and that is difficult if you are in a team that is not playing well every week. It says something about your qualities.

"He's not just a great player, he's a great person as well. That sums it all up. It's good to play with him and have him around. We benefit from him every week. I haven't watched enough of the England games but I'm sure he has the qualities to play in the team."