HAVING recovered from a back injury, young midfielder Mark Noble
hopes he can play a part in what he believes will be some big games
over the next few weeks, starting with Saturday's clash against
West Brom.
The 18-year-old was back in action in the Reserves' 1-0 win
over Norwich at Upton Park on Wednesday night.
And he was pleased to get back on the pitch after a frustrating
spell on the sidelines.
He said: "It was good to get a game, and we won, which was
great. It's been frustrating, I've had a few problems with
my back but have been back in full training for just over a week
now and have been feeling sharper and fitter with each day.
"It's just a case of getting some games under my belt now
and hopefully fighting my way back into first-team
contention."
With Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United looming large on the
horizon Mark will certainly be desperate to fight his way back into
Pards' team. But the Academy graduate insists the team are
looking no further than the visit of Bryan Robson's Baggies.
He said: "There's some massive games coming up and while
some people will be looking at the fixture list to the Spurs and
Man ' games, West Brom is a big one for us, one that we want to
win, and that's all we're focusing on at the
moment."
"We've had a great start and if we can keep the form
going at home then that will be a huge achievement. It's so
important to win the home games against those teams that are in and
around you in the League, that's why the lads are so focused
going into the West Brom match.
"There are three leagues in the Premiership if you like - top,
middle and bottom. What we have to do is stay in that middle pack,
and the only way to do that is making sure we win our games against
the other teams in the middle and bottom tiers."
Mark got a taste of Premiership action in Hammers opening day
triumph over Blackburn Rovers, but since then it's been a
frustrating wait for the local hero.
But Mark knows that he'll have to bide his time for a chance
in Alan Pardew's high-flying Hammers.
He said: "I broke into the first-team last season and from
then on, I just wanted to play in every game. But that's how it
has always been for me.
"I believe I can play in this League and the grea thing is
that Alan Pardew does as well.
"But the lads that are in the team are playing really well at
the moment and they deserve their places. But I know I'm still
young and if I keep working hard then hopefully I'll get my
chance."