Christian's faith

Christian Dailly believes that West Ham United will soon lift themselves away from the Premiership drop zone if they continue to perform as they did against Fulham on Saturday.

The Scottish international defender gave a typically dependable performance in the centre of defence at Craven Cottage, as Hammers kept a second successive clean sheet, and admits that the mood among the squad is confident going into our Boxing Day clash against Portsmouth.

"It was a tough game but we approached it well," he says. "If we keep doing that, then we will get the results that we need. We've also kept a couple of clean sheets now and I'm sure the goals will come at the other end soon.

"The important thing is that we are creating chances. We had some very good opportunities at Fulham and were perhaps a bit unfortunate not to have nicked all three points.

"When that happens, though, you have to make sure you hold on for a point at least, and that is something Alan Curbishley has drummed into everyone. He is aware of the energy we played with last season, and wants us to get that back, but we also have to be solid

"We've now got another tough game against Portsmouth. They have been flying this season, Harry has signed some good players and they will be confident of getting a result against us.

"We are under no illusions about how tough it will be, but there is a confidence among the boys now and we are looking forward to the challenge."