Squad For Rushden

Glenn Roeder has named an unchanged squad for the Carling Cup first round tie against Rushden and Diamonds at Upton Park tonight.

Rushden's boss is former Arsenal defender Brian Talbot, and Glenn says: "I have known Brian Talbot a long while since I toured with him with England 'B' in 1978 - we had virtually a month away travelling down to New Zealand.

"He fully deserves the promotion that he achieved with Rushden last year. They are a smashing club, superbly run, and I'd say have the best facilities in the second division.

"The Griggs family has really done Rushden and Diamonds proud, as they have of course done West Ham United proud with the Dr. Martens sponsorship over a number of years.

"It is quite unbelievable how cup ties are thrown up like this. People outside Rushden and West Ham wouldn't really know what I am talking about, but for the people involved in both clubs it is amazing that we have been drawn together.

"It is a game we are looking forward to and as always we have been very thorough, having watched all their pre-season games and their match at Luton on Saturday."

Squad: James, Bywater, Forde, Brevett, Ferdinand, Repka, Dailly, Byrne, Connolly, Lee, Hutchison, Sofiane, Garcia, Noble, Etherington, Defoe, McMahon, Mellor.