Roy Relishing Upton Park Atmosphere

ROY Carroll has admitted that Upton Park has more atmosphere than Old Trafford, and the Hammers goalkeeper is looking forward to returning to the Boleyn Ground for Saturday's clash with Bolton Wanderers.

He said: "Upton Park obviously can't match the capacity of Old Trafford, but after playing in front of 33,000 fans there against Blackburn Rovers it is a lot noiser and a really enjoyable ground to play football in.

"Doing well at home will be important this season, but it doesn't really affect the way we approach the game. We go into every game with the confidence that we can do well and if we play to our potential then we have every chance of coming away with a good result.

"It's been a good start for us with the results against Blackburn and Newcastle and we'll be aiming to keep that run going against Bolton. They'll be another tough test, but we've had a good week's preparation and we're going into the game with our confidence high.

"Getting off to a good start is important and we're pleased with the way things have gone so far. But we know there's a lot of hard work ahead and we're just going to make sure we're totally focused on the next game and hopefully we can come away with another good result."

Roy was called on to make two very good saves to keep Newcastle at bay at St James' Park, and the former Hull City, Wigan and Manchester United goalkeeper is determined to continue his development at Upton Park.

"I'm still young for a goalkeeper at 27," he said. "Hopefully my best is still yet to come and I can produce it for West Ham United. As a player, you are improving all the time and constantly searching for ways to move up to another level.

"I've been pretty pleased with my two performances so far, but the most important thing about those two games is that they have been really strong team efforts. There is a good spirit amongst the lads and everyone is pulling in the right direction. We've got young playes here who are determined to show that they can succeed at this level, plus some experienced players who bring a lot to the squad.

"We've given ourselves something that we can build on in the first two games, but it doesn't stop here. We have to keep working hard and make sure that our stanrards do not drop off this season."