Nigel frustrated to be missing out

Nigel Reo-Coker admits he won't enjoy watching Saturday's clash against Manchester City from the sidelines.

The Hammers skipper will serve a one-match suspension this weekend after collecting a fifth booking of the season against Fulham last Saturday and, as Alan Curbishley's men look to bounce back from the Boxing Day defeat against Portsmouth, Nigel will be a frustrated spectator for the first time this season.

"It's going to be really difficult for me to watch the game on Saturday," he says. "Obviously I'll be at the game cheering the boys on, but I'm not a very good watcher and I'll be kicking every ball from the side of the pitch.

"It may have been a bit easier had we beaten Portsmouth yesterday, but that defeat means that it is now such an important game against Manchester City, and I am so frustrated to be missing it.

"I'm sure the lads can put in a good performance and come away with the victory, though," he adds. "Apart from the two goals we conceded, I thought there wasn't much between ourselves and Portsmouth, and the second half performance was much more encouraging.

"We need to build on that now, and make sure we get back to winning ways on Saturday. If we can take all three points against City, it will set us up nicely for the game at Reading two days later, so it's a very important weekend."