Steve On Shut-out

Steve Bywater is hoping that the first clean sheet of his West Ham career will be the first of many - though getting victories is, of course his priority.

Steve, who played his part in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Fulham, says:

"It is all about winning and even if we had won 4-3 we would have gone through to the next round; it's not about goal difference, but it was nice to keep a clean sheet.

"The lads are doing really well, there is a buzz about the place and it is a good, young side.

"Every player that turns out for West Ham is giving 100% and doing well for West Ham."

Up until Saturday, Steve had played a THIRD of his West Ham games against Bradford - all in February, to boot - and he smiles:

"I have let about a third of my goals against them as well! A win is a win and the lads played well at Bradford.

"It has been good; a game is a game and I treat every one the same; each game I play is another one under my belt, and experience.

"No matter what level it is you have to stand there for 90 minutes and concentrate, so I am just trying to do my best."

Steve's biggest scare at the weekend was when Fulham hit the post, and he adds:

"The left full back scuffed it with the outside of his foot and I just thought 'thank God it has hit the post' because I didn't think it was going in.

"It was close, though, but it was probably one of only a few chances they had - and their keeper made some good saves."

Steve reckons justice was not served against Fulham and adds:

"We did deserve to win, though as I am always concentrating I think I must be the busiest person on the pitch!

"Others are busy, of course, it is just that you are focusing - and their keeper probably saved them the match, really.

"Of course, I don't really see what a spectator sees but I am sure we were the better team.

"The lads were magnificent with the passing and Michael Carrick played so well, as was Kevin Horlock - to be fair, the whole side was.

"We want to be playing Premiership sides every week and we know we can do it; we just have to keep winning and doing well - and we are always capable of scoring.

"We have got quality at this club and we can swap it around; the players that have come in are as good.

"And it is great to see Steve Lomas come on and he did a good header at the end to clear it; he hasn't played for a while and it is good to have him about the place again."