Titi On The Move?

Glenn Roeder has given Titi Camara permission to move abroad on loan - as he prepares his side to face an Arsenal side he says could compete in international football.

Regarding Titi, and a possible move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad, he says that contrary to reports, it is not a permanent move.

Titi, signed by Harry Redknapp from Liverpool in December 2000, has yet to score for West Ham and has made only one start under Glenn, who says: "We have given Titi permission to talk to the club regarding a loan deal and now it is up to him.

"He will make a decision in the next couple of days; it is a good chance for him to get some football, but we can't make him go."

Meanwhile, as he looks ahead to the clash with Arsenal, he says: "Everyone has to give their best on the day, and if you get a bit of luck as well, you pinch a result.

"I am very much of the opinion that there are a few teams in the Premiership just at present that would take on most international teams and beat them.

"Manchester United and Arsenal could, and in my mind, that is stating the obvious because they are full of top drawer internationals from the big countries, so there is no reason to think Arsenal wouldn't take on a top international team and in almost every case beat them.

"I am passing on whether they would beat England, though, because I am patriotic, but they would have a big advantage because they play with each other every week.

"I am just trying to draw a comparison with the quality of the Arsenals and Manchester Uniteds with international class quality.

"It is hypothetical, because it will never happen, but it wouldn't shock me if, in a one-off game, they couldn't beat even the world champions.

"But that is the challenge we have to accept in a positive mode; it is a chance for our lads to show everybody what they are capable of doing.

"If we do get a result there will be an awful lot of credit for our players this week to set them up for the rest of the season."

Glenn sees the first quarter of the game as crucial and adds: "I am always very conscious that Arsenal set off very fast in those first 15 minutes and really try and blow you away.

"I have never known them to be slow from that first whistle, they are up and at you, pressing you hard and I know, never mind feel, you have to survive in that opening 15 to 20 minutes - you have to still be in the game at 0-0.

"You must meet the challenge head on and can't afford to have a slow start. We have to meet them head on because if all the players are not revved up you will get blown away.

"They have got pace everywhere. If you look at Arsene Wenger's transfer activity, the vast majority of the players he has brought in have been a huge success, you see they are all loaded up with athleticism, pace and stamina.

"They are not physically small players - every one would compete very well athletically in any sport.

"It is a great example to try and follow but such physical specimens, with the ability they have got, don't come cheap."

Looking back on the 2-2 draw earlier in the season, Glenn says: "It took a world class strike from Thierry Henry to get them back and that could still easily be goal of the season.

"He hit it with such ferocity because he was angry that Arsenal were behind.

"At 2-1 with whatever time there was left it gave them a fighting chance and everyone knows how hard that Arsenal team fights.

"It was just sad from our point of view in those last few minutes that Wiltord got the equaliser.

"I take a very positive view from that performance that we can do well when we are at our best and when you play the Arsenals of this world you can't carry any passengers."

Meanwhile, Glenn says there "is no gambling culture" at West Ham.

Footballers' gambling is very much in the news at the moment, but Glenn has no fears of any problems at Upton Park - or on the team coach.

"They might play a game called 'Hearts' for a penny a point but I can't think of anyone that is big on horses or dogs.

"If I saw heavy gambling I would put a stop to it because that culture doesn't help the frame of mind when it comes to going out onto the field."