Teddy Impressed

Teddy Sheringham is full of praise for the three youngsters who played their inaugural first team games at Upton Park on Tuesday.

Elliot Ward and Mark Noble made their full debuts against Southend while Trent McClenahan made his home bow - and Teddy Sheringham liked what he saw.

"Elliot was fantastic and Trent McClenahan was superb the other night; Elliot really put in a dominant performance and I was very impressed with him," he says.

"I have got a lot of time for Mark Noble; he is a very clever player who is a good one-touch operator in midfield; he wasn't really able to show that when he came on - but I can assure people he has got a lot of good things coming to him that the West Ham fans will enjoy seeing."

Teddy came on as substitute against Southend to give the side a lift, and he adds:

"There was a situation where we had had a few games recently and the manager wanted to rest me, as he is going to look after me this season and rest me at the right times.

"Obviously I want to play and be part of things so hopefully that doesn't happen too often!"

Teddy is delighted that Marlon Harewood got his first goals of the campaign against Southend and adds:

"I think he has been playing very well since the start of the season, it is just that things haven't quite gone for him in front of goal.

"To get two goals the other night is a great lift for him; sometimes that starts you off on a run of goals so hopefully there will be more on Saturday.

"It is always nice to get your first goal or two in the season and now he is up and running as well we will start firing on all cylinders."

Teddy is not looking beyond the Burnley game on Saturday, with Coventry to host the Hammers on Monday night, and explains:

"The first one is the important one and then we will assess things on Sunday morning and go from there."

He is pleased that several players are on their way back to bolster the squad and adds:

"The more quality players we have got available the better chance we have got of competing for success; it is all about consistency and also keeping fit as well.

"It is a big weekend for us, but let's not put too much pressure on ourselves at the moment; we go into the home game against Burnley and we want top get three points in that.

"If we don't, it will put pressure on us for Monday - but we are only looking forward to the first game at the moment."