Danny Back in Business

Two second half goals may have sealed the superb comeback against Aston Villa on Saturday, but the sight of Danny Gabbidon marshalling the defence at the other end was just as satisfying.

The Welsh international has been one of Alan Pardew's most consistent performers this season and it's no coincidence that Hammers have won both matches since he returned from a knee injury that kept him out over the difficult Christmas period.

Another typically composed performance at Villa Park played a big part in securing our first Premiership victory of 2006, yet Danny was typically modest when reflecting on his recent contribution.

"It's nice to be back in the thick of it again," he said. "Obviously, I'm delighted that we've won the last two matches, but it's not just down to me.

"As a team, we just want to win as many games as we can, and it doesn't matter who is playing, the credit goes to everyone involved.

"We've got a good squad when everyone is fit, and with a few other lads coming back from injury now, we're looking much stronger."

Hammers certainly produced an impressive second half performance to turn things around against David O'Leary's men, and Danny admits the mood in the visitors' dressing-room was buoyant afterwards.

"It was a massive game for us and we're just delighted to have come away with three points," he said. "We had a sticky run over Christmas, but the win at Norwich gave us a bit more confidence going into the game at Villa, and the lads showed great character to come from behind.

"It took us a little while to get going, but I thought the second half performance was superb and there was only going to be one winner.

"It was a bit disappointing to go a goal down, because we really wanted to keep a clean sheet, but we stepped it up in the second half and I thought we fully deserved the victory."

Hammers will now look to make it three in a row against Fulham next Monday night and, after making a full recovery from the nasty knee injury that forced him on to the sidelines last month, Danny is eager to reach his peak again.

"Having been out for a few games it's going to take me a little while to get up to full speed," he said. "The Norwich game was a good one to come back in, though, and, although I thought I struggled a little in the first half against Villa, I was pleased with my second half performance.

"It's just a case of playing more games now to get back to full match fitness and hopefully I'll stay injury-free for the rest of the season. The knee feels fine, I haven't had any more problems with it, and I'm just looking forward to pushing on now."