Big night for Mido

Mido is looking forward to making his home debut for West Ham United this evening against high-flying Birmingham City.

The Eygpt striker was a lively second-half presence against Burnley at the weekend, hitting the post in the last minute after paving the way for Ilan's consolation in the 2-1 defeat. With the Hammers back at the Boleyn Ground, he sees no reason why the club cannot return to winning ways.

"Birmingham are a good team and are very well organised," he said. "It's going to be a big game for us but hopefully, with playing at home, we will play well and get the three points, because they will be a crucial three points for us."

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He does not think there will be a problem settling into his new surroundings. "Football is football. I know that it can take time to adapt to a new team, but I have been in the Premier League and I know most of the players very well. I know how they play. I have played against West Ham many times before.

As one of football's great thinkers, it was no surprise to find Mido in philosophical mood following Saturday's reverse. Having replaced fellow debutant Benni McCarthy, Mido immediately struck up a promising understanding with new strike partner Carlton Cole, forcing the Clarets on to the back foot for much of the second half.

"We were a little bit unlucky. We hit the post many times and, as you could see with their second goal they scored, it was a cross [by Danny Fox]. He took a great free-kick, but it ended up in the top corner.

"We had the opportunity from Junior [Stanislas] when he hit the bar, and I also hit the post, so we were a bit unlucky. I wish I could have scored because I had a good opportunity. I made good contact with the ball and was a bit unlucky that it hit the post."

The media have widely documented Mido's decision to forego a large chunk of his wages during his loan spell in east London, and the player himself is desperate to prove that his decision to join West Ham was motivated purely by his desire to play Premier League football.

"I'm trying to work very hard to satisfy myself first, because I came here to prove a point and Saturday was the start. Hopefully the next games will be better.

"I need to prove to myself first more than anything, because I've been unlucky over the last couple of years. I had lots of injuries. Every time I was fit I was happy and I scored goals, but then I got injured again. Now, I haven't been injured for the last five months, so it's in my hands to prove to myself again that I can do this.

"I know the West Ham fans are passionate fans and if they see me working very hard for the team and for the club, they will be with me."