Noble fired up

Mark Noble has claimed West Ham United have the firepower to shoot themselves to Barclays Premier League safety.

The homegrown Hammer has hailed the arrival of Demba Ba to join a potent front-line already boasting Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne, while Victor Obinna, Freddie Sears and Zavon Hines could also play their part in the run-in when it comes to goals.

"We're all gearing towards staying in the Premier League," said Noble. "None of us wants to be involved in a relegation. I've managed to stay away from that [in my career], even though we've been close, but hopefully we've got the firepower now and we can push on.

"We've got to score goals to win games, so if we can do that and not let them in then I'm sure we'll be fine."

Ba gave notice of his ability with a two-goal show against West Bromwich Albion last week and the midfielder said his new team-mate was learning fast about the rigours of the English game.

"Demba probably didn't know what to expect in the Premier League. A lot of players don't. 

"Against West Brom, he won headers, got to the by-line and cross them and managed to get a couple of goals, which was fantastic. Obviously we're going to need a player like him over the next couple of games."

While Noble is only thinking short-term and the need to stay in the division, he has also cast his mind to the prospect of running out at the Olympic Stadium in summer 2014.

"I think it's a really good thing for the club. Obviously a lot of fans love Upton Park, as we all do as it's a fantastic place to play and the atmosphere is great there, but times are moving on and if we can get 55 or 60,000 there it would be fantastic for all of us."