Marlon Looks Ahead

Marlon Harewood insists that West Ham winning promotion is more important than him getting the accolade as the first division's top scorer.

He is two behind Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson, having made a goal up on him with his brace on Saturday against Watford.

"I am trying to get it but as long as the lads keep winning I don't care," says Marlon.

"I do know Andy; he is a good friend of mine and Hayden keeps ringing him up."

Ironically, Johnson scored from the rebound of his own penalty after the initial spot kick was saved against Walsall at the weekend, while Marlon had a penalty saved from which he put the rebound over the bar before the referee ordered it to be taken again - which he duly, and successfully, did.

"It is the first time someone has ever saved my penalty," says Marlon.

Alan Pardew was indicating at the time that Marlon shouldn't go for the retake, but he was blissfully unaware of the fact.

"Did he? I didn't know - my mind was just focused on scoring the goal," he says.

"I was surprised that the first one was saved but I put it away the second time."

As for Wigan on Sunday, he says:

"It is just a normal game and we have to go and win it - we have to carry on.

"We are looking to win every game we play and get the best out of ourselves.

"I don't think any of the lads are thinking of the play-offs; we just have to win the last match of the season."

He says life is rosy for him at the moment, adding:

"I am enjoying it very much; it is awesome to be part of this atmosphere and this team."

He knows, though, that with David Connolly available again there is a lot of vying for a place up front.

"There is a lot of competition - and if you are not on your toes you have to face the consequences," he warns.

* Look out for Anton Ferdinand's new, braided hair on Sunday. Echoes of Rio?