Glenn's Praise For Trevor

West Ham boss Glenn Roeder was full of praise for the versatility of Trevor Sinclair, the stand-in striker who scored Hammers' first and made the other two in our thrilling 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday.

Roeder said after the game: "Trevor's importance to the football club was shown again today. I've played him wide on the right, wide on the left and in the centre with Joe Cole, and now he has played up the middle for me today.

"With Fredi Kanoute out with a heavy cold, I asked Trevor before training yesterday if he would relish playing up front for me and he jumped at the idea.

"In fact, none of the four senior English internationals did their chances any harm with the performances they put in."

After his brilliant second half showing against Paraguay in midweek, Joe Cole was obviously the main focus of attention.

Roeder admitted: "I was ever so disappointed for Joe when he had what looked like a good goal struck off - he is so desperate to score his first Premiership goal this season."

But the Hammers chief refused to urge England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to pick his talented midfielder for this summer's World Cup.

"That decision can only be made by the England manager," says Roeder, "and I have got my hands full here.

"If Joe was to go to Japan and South Korea it would be a great experience for him. But if he doesn't, he mustn't feel disappointed because, at 20, there are still at least three World Cups in front of him, and the same applies to Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe."

Roeder believes that all three young England prospects can continue to flourish at Upton Park without the need to move to a "bigger" club.

"They can continue to learn the game here without being put under great pressure, playing every week for a club that likes to play the type of football to suit their games.

"Over the next seven years, our young England players, along with the likes of David Dunn and Darius Vassell, have got a great chance to give England the success we all want."

While many believe that the Hammers are now heading for a leisurely stroll towards the end of the campaign, Roeder is determined that his team will continue to play flat out in the remaining three games of the season.

"There is a wonderful atmosphere and environment at the club now, the players are all working for each other and are really determined to finish where we are, in seventh place."