Paolo Latest

Glenn Roeder is hoping to have Paolo Di Canio back in action for the Leeds game - but says that any reference to a new contract is something he will not be discussing in public.

"Paolo will miss Saturday's game with a groin problem that needs resting. By not playing Saturday he will be fit for the next Premiership game against Leeds, and possibly the Worthington Cup game with Oldham," he says.

Glenn is becoming weary of constant questioning about Paolo's contract after the player himself stated his wish to be offered a new contract this week.

He points to the fact that any such discussions that may or may not be taking place remain private until they are resolved one way or the other, and insists: "It is not something we need to be talking about on a daily basis. When the football club has something to say we will report it - and that is it.

"It would be very unprofessional to talk publicly about something until we have spoken to the correct people first.

"People will try all the time, and they are not listening. As and when we can make a statement we will make a statement - and not before we have spoken to Paolo's representatives."

Meanwhile, Glenn rejects claims that Fredi Kanoute will be out of action for a month, as has been reported.

Fredi has a groin problem and Glenn says:"I'm disappointed he will be out for three weeks - not a month.

"Without doubt we are thin on the ground up front."

Looking to the trip to Anfield this weekend, he rejects the idea that just because West Ham have won three way league games on the trot they can't get a fourth consecutive victory on their travels.

"We take it one game at a time and we won't be going there thinking we have already won our last three away games so we can't win the next one," he says.

"It is an individual game, it is the next one, and it happens to be away from home.

"Even allowing for the fact that we have won the last three, going to Anfield is always a difficult task - even for Manchester United or Arsenal.

"It is a hard place to go but everyone has to go there at least once a year - it is our turn on Saturday.

"We put in a decent performance last year and were very unlucky not to get a point and on Saturday we will be looking to do the same thing - and hopefully we will get a break this time and get something out of the game.

"We were certainly worth a point there on the opening day of last season but we were undone by a Michael Owen special."