David Determined

David James is hoping for an even better performance in the penultimate home game of the campaign than the last match at Upton Park - and is determined to keep another clean sheet.

Although David, currently preparing with the England squad for the friendly against Paraguay, did just that against Charlton, he felt there was room for improvement in the performance - and let his team mates know in no uncertain terms during the game.

"Of course, it's part and parcel of the game," he says. "It was another clean sheet - just - but unfortunately in the second half there was a little hesitancy allowing them one or two chances.

"But overall our home form has gone a long way to keeping us in this position."

Only seven opposing teams have scored at Upton Park this season, with Ipswich being the last to breach David's defence a week before that Charlton game.

"Someone even pointed out, that although we had won, we'd conceded a goal at Upton Park," says David.

"Then we got the win at Fulham which was massive for the confidence, going away and getting all three points."

Indeed it is now 10 points out of a possible 12 following two unbeaten away games on the trot (a sequence achieved three times this season now) and David adds:

"Everyone has given that extra bit. It is basically the same side as last season but the coaching and everyone involved has pushed us on.

"We are all trained the right way and more is brought out of each individual and, after all, you can't just buy a winning side, you have to develop one."

As for the final four games of the season, he says: "We have had bad games this season but not a bad run as such - and there's no reason we can't finish well.

"I would rather it be in our own hands, and we don't need to leave it to other clubs."

Meanwhile, with England duties in mind, he concludes: "I'm working to the World Cup and would like to think I have got a chance, but that decision is out of my hands."