Noble desperate to make his mark

As a lifelong Hammers fan, Mark Noble is as keen as anyone to take part in tomorrow's crucial game at the Valley.

"If I did play I'd give everything I've got but I've just got to wait for my chance," he said. "I thought I had it when we played Brighton in the Cup, I thought I'd get my chance after that but it hasn't come down to that so I'm still training hard and hoping I'll get it."

The 19-year-old may have to wait for his chance behind more experienced midfielders, but he will be cheering the Hammers on if he doesn't take part.

"I'm going to support the lads if I'm not playing," he said. "I'll be a fan. It'll be a great occasion if we win but then we've got to get our heads down, no celebrating, and get on with the next game. Hopefully we'll get three points tomorrow and then that'll put us in good stead for the hard run-in we've got coming up."

"I've got a few of my friends and family tickets so they'll all be there supporting the Hammers. They're all asking me what's going on and what it's like.

"All I can say is that the position isn't good, but the players are and we're in good spirits. It's just not been going for us. If we can get a win all of us, the players and the staff, will be happy."

"If all the boys focus and do their jobs well then we've got enough quality to win the game by a few goals, not just one. We've got Tev, who needs a goal and it'd be fantastic for him to get a goal in a game like this. And if we defend as well as we can do, they'll cause us no problems and we can go on and win the game."