Adam: I Can Handle It

Adam Nowland says he is learning to handle the pressure at Upton Park - and hopes to get a good run of starts in the first team.

"There is always going to be pressure here; we are a massive club and fans think we should be seeing teams off easily," he says.

"Every game poses new challenges and the boys are just trying to handle those - but the fans will always be behind us when we play good football.

"As for me, I am only going to be happy when I am playing first team football here and it is a fantastic stage to play on.

"A few more games on the bounce will get me settled in; I am feeling comfortable now but I think you will see a lot more of my type of play, that I will be able to stamp my authority on the team, after a few more games."

Looking at the game against Burnley, he adds:

"It is my neck of the woods and they are always good opposition who like to get the ball down and play - I think we will be more comfortable, hopefully, than Tuesday."

So, after the chipped penalty that was saved against Anderlecht preseason, would he have taken a spot kick if required against Southend in the Carling Cup?

"I would have taken one, without a doubt," he says.

"We don't need to go back to that one; the next penalty I take I will make sure goes in the top corner.

"It was a little bit unprofessional by me but you make mistakes - and come back from them a better person, hopefully."

* Hear more of Adam's thoughts on RealAudio