Grant: My Wish

Grant McCann says he is still hoping to get a loan move to boost his career - and that he has forgotten THAT own goal against Blackburn last season.

Grant, who nearly went to Grimsby earlier in the season in a temporary move before he went to Cheltenham - as he did last season - to get first team football, had his two month loan spell cut short by a suspension following a sending off.

He returned early, therefore, over the Christmas period, but has not figured on the bench and is now looking for another move.

Of the red card, only the second in Grant's career, he says: "I went to shrug the guy off and he was pulling away at me so I swung my arm.

"But I didn't elbow him or anything, and I was a bit shocked when I got the red card, especially when the other guy, Martin Rowlands, pushed the referee, so I thought he would go - as you should do if you do that.

"Graham Allner wasn't too happy, he knew it wasn't intentional, and we appealed but the ban stood."

As for his current situation, he admits: "I would love to be playing in the first team at West Ham but if not I would like to go on loan again because it makes such a difference playing in front of big crowds.

"I know you play good opposition in the reserves but sometimes you don't play for two weeks - and you need your match fitness otherwise you don't feel so sharp.

"The second division is a good league and if Cheltenham want me back I will go, otherwise I will stay until the end of the season and see how things go here.

"I enjoyed it there, everyone seemed to like me, and I felt I was getting back that sharpness that Roger Cross said wasn't the same as what I had last season.

"I enjoyed playing every Saturday and I was looked after in a hotel.

"My contract is up in the summer so I will have to see what happens."

As for the infamous own goal against Blackburn in the 7-1 defeat at Ewood Park last season, he says their visit to Upton Park on Wednesday will not revive the nightmare of that day.

"I have put that behind me; I haven't really thought about it, to be honest."

He is baffled by the Hammers' league position, especially the home form, and says: "I went to the Southampton game and felt we should have scored a few goals but it seems luck is not with us at the minute.

"But there is no doubt we can get out of it - there is quality to get West Ham out of it."

As for the impending return of Paolo Di Canio, he adds: "I think he would be a good manager because he is always talking to the players and encouraging people."