Noble's Christmas preparations

 

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble is hoping to make the most of his Christmas morning – even though his kids have probably kept him up during the night!

Noble will cherish the few hours he will get his family before joining up with the rest of the squad for training and then boarding a plane to south Wales this evening.

Noble
The Hammers skipper knows the sacrifices players up and down the country have to make as they prepare for a big game on Boxing Day, but says it is part of being a professional footballer.

Noble said: “I am hoping to have a nice morning with the kids. The kids normally get up at 4.30am because they are so excited and that is the hardest part about it!

“They don't go to sleep because they are so excited and then they wake up really early so trying to get things done in the house is really hard.

“But it is great to see the smiles on the kids' faces when they open the presents and makes you realise how lucky you are.”

Noble will enjoy the festivities at home before getting down to hard work once again at the Club's training ground and knows the importance of getting another victory over Swansea on Monday.

The Hammers have moved five points clear of the bottom three following the last two victories over Burnley and Hull and hopes they can now force their way into the top half of the table.

Noble added: “It has been a massive week for the Club getting seven points. We have not played well in the two home games and I will be the first to say that.

“But if you are not going to play well, the key is to win. We could have played Burnley and Hull off the park and not come away with anything. That happened to us earlier in the season and not had the greatest results.

“With the position we were in the key for us was to forget about the performance and get a result. We have been lucky but the seven points are massive.

“All the games are tough in this league because all the teams can now bring in good players. We know that Swansea away is going to be tough, but I am hoping we can carry on our winning streak.”