Malky: Watch Out For Wigan

Malky Mackay is pleased to have made a goal scoring contribution in Saturday's draw at home to Ipswich - and warns that Wigan are the team to keep an eye on in the promotion race.

"It is always nice to score and especially nice to keep up my record against Ipswich; I got a couple against them last year and the year before," says Malky.

"I had a couple of half chances as well and it is something we work on in training with myself, Teddy, Marlon, and Calum all practising set pieces.

"There has been great delivery in from Luke Chadwick and Matthew Etherington so we are looking for goals from those situations."

As for whether it was two points dropped or a point gained at the weekend, he says:

"You have to look at both sides of the coin; in the first half we had a good number of chances and could have been 2-0 up and taken control of the game, but at the same time Ipswich are a good team in this division, pass the ball very well and we knew we would be in for a tough game on Saturday.

"In the end it was honours even and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say both teams gave as good as they got.

"Every time you don't win you have always got to look at why and see if there is anything that can be improved upon - but we are still on a decent roll with five wins out of seven.

"Not losing breeds confidence and it is just something we have got to keep on with."

Malky thrived on the atmosphere on Saturday, and adds:

"It certainly felt a big day and a big occasion and these are the sorts of crowds you want every week - it was fantastic, and that atmosphere helps."

As for the promotion race, he says:

"It is very early days at the moment but Wigan are a team that have kept together and they have two prolific goal scorers up front - so they are always going to be in with a shout.

"The likes of Leeds and Wolves will get going because they are big clubs with big squads - but there are always going to be one or two surprises in the pack like Norwich were last time.

"Stoke and Reading are bubbling along nicely - but there is a long way to go."

Malky reckons that the size of the Hammers squad now should be able to cope with everything that is thrown at them and adds:

"There are a lot of games in this division and with suspensions and injuries you need a big squad - or a lucky squad with no injuries or suspensions.

"I think the more experienced players you can get in this division the better, and that is something that is showing at the moment.

"I know what this division is about, playing every Saturday and Tuesday, so let's crack on and get another win.

"I am delighted to be playing games at the moment and roll on the next one; everyone enjoys playing games and I want to play as often as I can for West Ham."

There will be changes on Tuesday against Notts. County in the Carling Cup, though Malky, who will not be one of them, adds:

"Carl and Calum are cup tied but we just have to get on with it; there are good players in this squad and when someone goes out there are other players of the same experience and level of understanding to come in, and that makes it a lot easier."

Malky feels he is fitting in well at Upton Park - and it appears that the feeling from the fans echoes that sentiment.

"That is nice to know; they have given me a warm reception, as has everyone at the club," he says.

"It is a friendly club - whereas sometimes you go somewhere and you never know what it is going to be like.

"People have been nothing but helpful from the playing staff to the coaching staff to the people at the stadium and the training ground so that helpfulness makes it easier for players to join a new club."