Nigel's Driving Force

AT the heart of the Hammers engine room Nigel Reo-Coker has provided enough evidence already to suggest he will have a big impact on West Ham United's season.

Displaying the energy and drive that have been the hallmarks of Alan Pardew's team in their opening two Premiership games, Nigel has only enhanced his reputation.

Add to that a wonder strike in the 3-1 win over Blackburn and the 21-year-old midfielder is rightly upbeat at the moment.

Now he aims to put all that surging energy into making it maximum home points for the season, with a win over Bolton.

"We're going into the game confident that we can get a result," insisted Nigel. "Of course, it's going to be a tough game but every match in the Premier League is tough, whether you are at home or away.

"But our aims don't change. We want to win and we believe that we can. If you go into a game thinking any other way then you'll be in trouble.

"At the moment the squad has got plenty of confidence. We've seen a new signing come in this week that has only increased the buzz around the training ground and everyone is looking forward to Saturday's game.

"Bolton will be difficult to beat. They're strong at the back, a threat from set-plays and they also play some very good football. But we feel that we've got the energy in our play to be a threat to them and hopefully we can get off to a strong start, put them under pressure and really get the atmosphere going."

Nigel, who captained Hammers to Play-off Final glory at the Millennium Stadium, has seen the squad mushroom over the summer, with Jeremie Aliadiere the latest addition.

But the England Under-21 midfielder insists the added competition has brought extra sharpness and focus to the team.

"You have to play well otherwise there is a very good player waiting to take your place," explained Nigel. "That is what being a Premier League club is all about and as players we have to stay on our toes.

"It definitely keeps you sharp and can bring out that extra yard which might be the difference between a draw and a win.

"I just concentrate on doing the best I can whether it's in training or in matches. The team have put in two really strong performance so far this season and that's what we'll be looking to build on against Bolton.

"They'll put us under pressure, but we can take a lot of positives from the way we defended and held out at Newcastle last week.

"We're expecting another brilliant atmoshpere and the players are sure to respond to that. The feeling inside the Stadium was fantastic against Blackburn and I'm sure the fans will recreate that on Saturday.

"If they do it will make life very uncomfortable for Bolton and give us a great chance of taking all three points."