Glenn Steps Up Search

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Glenn Roeder is desperately seeking reinforcements to his squad as several suspensions are likely to be just round the corner.

West Ham's entire back four is just one yellow card away from a one match ban, and Glenn admits: "It is not good. They have got to get through to the end of February before they can have a fifth booking without suspension, and that is mission impossible, I would have thought.

"That's why we are out trying to sign a player or two more so we can have cover in positions that might need covering in the next couple of weeks."

In addition to Nigel Winterburn, Christian Dailly, Tomas Repka, and Sebastien Schemmel being a booking away, Hayden Foxe could receive a three match ban if he is found guilty of violent conduct following a recent FA charge concerning his clash with Fulham's Barry Hayles two months ago.

Hayles was also charged for what appeared to be a relatively innocuous incident in which both players were cautioned.

Glenn admits, though, that he cannot yet promise the signings he wants, and says: "There is nothing to say unfortunately. We are waiting on one or two phone calls and there are one or two irons in the fire.

"As I keep saying week in, week out, there are lots of very average players that would love to come to West Ham on a loan basis but I'm loathe to consider that. In fact I won't go for them because we can't afford to bring that type of player in.

"I'm trying to go for quality and again show patience while I find that quality that can go into the first team and, not only handle it, but do very well."

One player that is not on Glenn's list is Giovanni Tedesco of Perugia.

Despite reports that the midfielder is a target, Glenn has not heard of the player.

Meanwhile, talking about Sunday's game at Chelsea, he says: "It is a special game, Chelsea v West Ham. A London derby with a lot of history to the fixture, and it will be a terrific atmosphere at Stamford Bridge come 2pm on Sunday."

Over the next 10 days or so, the two clubs could find themselves battling for more than just a place in the next round of the FA Cup and three points.

Chelsea, like West Ham, are closely monitoring the progress of Liam Rosenior, who has had a trial at Chelsea and is now on a similar, extended, arrangement at Upton Park.

Says Glenn of the right sided midfielder or defender: "He has been with us for a couple of weeks. We asked the permission of Bristol City and Danny Wilson to look at him and he agreed.

"He played very well in his first reserve game when we beat Wimbledon 4-0 and we are really looking forward to watching his performance against Nottingham Forest in the reserves on Tuesday - that game is now at Upton Park.

"His father Leroy had a very good career at West Ham and his son is trying to have a professional career himself.

"We have been quietly impressed but we will hold fire until we see him in that final reserve game."

Vladimir Labant will make his Hammers debut in that match as he steps up his fitness following a mid-winter break with his old club Sparta Prague.