Paul Kitson is hoping he can show enough in the final countdown to
August 18th to prove he is worthy of a first team place.
After grabbing his second goal of the preseason campaign against Rushden and Diamonds on Monday with a spectacular effort, Paul reflects modestly:
"It was just a case of turning and hitting it, and it flew in the corner for the second time of this friendly campaign.
"I wouldn't mind a few tap-ins or a ricochet off the keeper as well, but there you go!
"The main thing is, it's nice to be part of those games."
With Fredi Kanoute now confirmed to miss the trip to Liverpool, a place alongside Paolo Di Canio is up for grabs, and he says:
"I don't know about taking his place; I'm just going out to perform as best as I can and as well as the players and the club know I can do."
Paul admits that he is looking to take out the frustration of the last two years out on opposing defences.
He has seen little first team action in that time and explains:
"Nothing has changed in my ability but when you are restricted on chances there is nothing much you can do, because a certain manager didn't want to put me in.
"People say 'oh, you've been injured' but all that is c**p and I'm sick of hearing it.
"I haven't been injured, I've been sitting there playing in the reserves.
"When the manager doesn't want to play you there is nothing much you can do except try to do well.
"But even when you are doing well you don't get a chance.
"I don't want it to be a sob story but that was basically what was going on."
But Paul resisted the temptation of looking to take his shooting boots elsewhere and adds:
"If I wanted a move I would have asked for a transfer but I've loved it in the four years I have been down here.
"I love playing for the club and it was frustrating not getting a game, but I never wanted to leave.
"I have a lot more to give, I'm fit, and there are still two weeks before the start of the season.
"The main thing is all the lads are enjoying it now; there's a lot of enthusiasm from the boys, and they want to play for Glenn.
"He is a great coach and he is easy to talk to."
After grabbing his second goal of the preseason campaign against Rushden and Diamonds on Monday with a spectacular effort, Paul reflects modestly:
"It was just a case of turning and hitting it, and it flew in the corner for the second time of this friendly campaign.
"I wouldn't mind a few tap-ins or a ricochet off the keeper as well, but there you go!
"The main thing is, it's nice to be part of those games."
With Fredi Kanoute now confirmed to miss the trip to Liverpool, a place alongside Paolo Di Canio is up for grabs, and he says:
"I don't know about taking his place; I'm just going out to perform as best as I can and as well as the players and the club know I can do."
Paul admits that he is looking to take out the frustration of the last two years out on opposing defences.
He has seen little first team action in that time and explains:
"Nothing has changed in my ability but when you are restricted on chances there is nothing much you can do, because a certain manager didn't want to put me in.
"People say 'oh, you've been injured' but all that is c**p and I'm sick of hearing it.
"I haven't been injured, I've been sitting there playing in the reserves.
"When the manager doesn't want to play you there is nothing much you can do except try to do well.
"But even when you are doing well you don't get a chance.
"I don't want it to be a sob story but that was basically what was going on."
But Paul resisted the temptation of looking to take his shooting boots elsewhere and adds:
"If I wanted a move I would have asked for a transfer but I've loved it in the four years I have been down here.
"I love playing for the club and it was frustrating not getting a game, but I never wanted to leave.
"I have a lot more to give, I'm fit, and there are still two weeks before the start of the season.
"The main thing is all the lads are enjoying it now; there's a lot of enthusiasm from the boys, and they want to play for Glenn.
"He is a great coach and he is easy to talk to."
He confesses that predictions West Ham are in for a hard season
annoy him, and says:
"Of course it does rankle but at the end of the day it is up
to us to prove them wrong.
"It is a similar squad to what it was two years ago, but with
the money to spend we can bring some good players in.
"He obviously wants to bring a few additions in because the
squad is not very big at the moment.
"The squad is full of Premiership experience so there is no
reason why we can't start well wih what we've got
anyway."