MATTY Etherington admits that he would love to earn a place in
Alan Pardew's starting line-up for the visit of Millwall to
Upton Park on Saturday.
The 23-year-old winger has started from the bench in the last three
games, with Pards reluctant to tamper with his winning formula.
But Matty is pushing harder than ever for a recall after his
stunning second-half display helped Hammers defeat Coventry City
3-0.
And with plenty of experience in London derbies the former Spurs
star knows exactly how important Saturday's match will be to
the Hammers fans.
"We've got to go out and give the fans a good
performance," he insisted. "It'll be a huge
atmosphere because it's Millwall and because there is so much
at stake in terms of chasing a Play-off place.
"It's a massive game and getting the three points is so
important. After three wins the confidence is high, in the stands
as well as on the pitch. I'm sure the crowd will be really up
for it on Saturday and the players need to respond with another
good display."
Matty insists that this is the type of game all professional
footballers should want to play in, with intensity at maximum and
plenty to play for.
"As a football you want to play in these kind of games,"
he exclaimed. "Everyone will be really up for it and it should
make for a great game.
"We've had three massive wins, but there's still a
long way to go and plenty of work for us to do. We're still not
even in the Play-off places yet and with five games left we need
big performances in every one, starting with the Millwall game.
"There are a lot of other good teams chasing those Play-off
places and it looks like it's going to go right to the wire.
"All those teams are playing well and getting results too, so
it's even more crucial that we keep this positive momentum
going."
Matt's Millwall Goal
14th April 2005