Cynics suggested that Paolo, who has missed 16 out of 52 away games through injury, did not fancy the long trip but John hits back:
"Paolo's Achilles is still a bit of a niggly problem but he will probably train on Friday I would think and be available for the game.
"That was the whole idea of him missing the Newcastle game because if he had played Monday he would definitely have missed at least one game and probably two.
"He was desperate to play and he was all packed ready to go and the it was only the decision of myself and Dr. Steinbergs that pulled him out.
"It really wasn't his decision but we were quite adamant that with it being an Achilles tendon and the fact that circulation to the Achilles is very poor when you aggravate one as we've seen with Scott Minto they can drag on for weeks.
"We felt two games in three days with an Achilles that was already sore would have probably tipped him over the balance.
"If he'd have played it could have finished his season and we had to say that to him.
"It was hard for him to conceive because at the time although it was sore it wasn't that bad.
"But we were trying to explain how bad Achilles tendons can become and how stubborn they are."
West Ham's forward frailty was added to by the early injury to Fredi Kanoute which forced him off, and John adds:
"He took a nasty blow to the hip and got a sort of dead log into the side of the hip which meant he couldn't push off, and didn't even feel like he could hold himself in an upright position.
"He has had treatment and will train on Friday after a run on Thursday in preparation for Saturday's game; but I don't think there is any danger of him not playing."
And the other injuries?
"Joe Cole had a tight hamstring and a bruised foot but he will make himself available for the game.
"Frank Lampard had stiff groins after the two games but again he will be rested and available.
"You always expect something over the bank holiday because if you pick up a niggle on the Saturday you know it's not going to be ready for the Monday.
"And if they play on the Monday they are likely to aggravate things. You are very concerned about someone like Ian Pearce who has just come back from problems."
With Craig Forrest off the injured list now the only remaining injuries are Trevor Sinclair, Steve Lomas, Richard Garcia, and Izzie Iriekpen - all, of course, out until next season. Steve has his operation today.
by Khris Raistrick