Carroll To Play At City

ALAN Pardew has revealed that Roy Carroll is determined to start for West Ham United at Manchester City on Sunday, despite suffering from a hairline fracture to his thumb.

The Hammers boss insists that Roy, who has been in excellent form for the Hammers so far this season, wants to play on to ensure that he keeps his place in the side.

"Roy will play at Manchester City," explained Pards. "He really wants to play, he doesn't want to drop out and he doesn't want to give up his place to Shaka.

"Anyone who knows Shaka will tell you that he isn't happy sitting on the bench, and if Shaka were to come in and have a good run in the side it would be hard to get him out.

"Roy knows that there is competition from Shaka, and he'll be okay to play. We've had to protect the thumb in training, but it was an injury he sustained prior to our game against Sunderland and providing it is well-strapped he'll be available.

"Roy has been fantastic for us so far this season and hopefully he'll continu to produce the type of form that he's shown in the opening matches.

"Shaka of course is pushing very hard and he's going to be really up for it with Trinidad & Tobago having a great chance to qualify for the World Cup Finals.

"They are both excellent goalkeepers and it's good to have strong competition all over the pitch."

Despite Jeremie Aliadiere's return to training the French striker is not likely to be available for the trip to Manchester City.

Neither is Mark Noble, who has been rested over the international break after struggling with back problems.

Pards explained: "Mark has been suffering some difficulties with his back, but we are sure these are down to growth, and that's obviously a good thing for us.

"Both he and Jeremie probably need another week and should be okay for the home game against Middlesbrough."

Pards is also without Jimmy Walker, who is continuing his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury.