NO doubt proud to represent Wales in their two recent World Cup
qualifiers against Austria, Carl Fletcher's international
exertions have nevertheless probably cost him his place in the
first-team.
After returning from international duty just a day before the Wigan
game, Alan Pardew took the decision to rest the midfielder for what
was a fine 2-1 win. The next two fixtures, wins against Burnley and
Coventry, have again seen Carl amongst the substitutes, but the
25-year-old midfielder is far from unhappy about the way things are
going right now.
"The team has had three really vital wins and that's all
that matters," he insisted. "Of course, I want to play
every week. But the fact is, I've been out of the side for the
last three games, the team have been winning, and you can't
really justify changing a winning side.
"My aim is just to work hard, do the right things in training
and then when another chance comes along make sure I take it.
"The team is bigger than just one player, or even 11 players
for that matter. We have a strong squad at West Ham, which is still
right in the hunt for a Play-off place, and I'm just pleased to
be part of that.
"Hopefully, we can keep this good run going with another three
points against Millwall. It may seem obvious, but it's still
important that we focus on winning every game that we play right
now.
"There are some good teams pushing for those Play-off places,
and it just proves how tough it is when you win three games and
barely move up a place.
"It's getting very tight, but if we keep winning then when
one of the teams above does slip-up we'll be ready to take
their place."
Carl is behind Hayden Mullins and Nigel Reo-Coker for the
centre-midfield berth at the moment, with Mark Noble another worthy
candidate for the position after moving inside for the second-half
against Coventry.
But the Welsh midfielder has nothing but praise for his colleagues.
"Hayden and Nigel have both done well over the last few
games," he confessed. "It's good to see them both
doing well in the side. They've got the places at the moment
and it's my responsibility to get myself back in the side.
"Centre-midfield is one of the most hotly contested positions
at the Club. We've got a lot of good players fighting for a
place in there, and I'd like to think I'm one of them.
"When you do get your chance to impress you've got to take
it, and Nigel and Hayden have done that over the last couple of
weeks."
Carl looks set to continue on the bench with the visit of Millwall,
but is hoping to sample the action at some stage of what is
expected to be a tremendous atmosphere at Upton Park.
"West Ham Millwall games are always huge for the fans,"
he confessed, "but for the players every game is massive at
the moment and I think we'll approach it in the same way.
"Naturally, the bigger the game the more you want to play.
Hopefully, I'll get a chance, from the bench if not from the
start, and hopefully we can put in a good performance and come away
with another three points."
Fletch's Team Ethic
14th April 2005