Noble steeled for Southampton

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble says everyone is itching to get back on to the pitch to tackle npower Championship visitors Southampton on Tuesday evening.

With the Hammers' away game at Peterborough postponed due to a frozen pitch, the players came back to Chadwell Heath to continue training and preparing for the Saints clash over the weekend.

"It was a shame that the match on Saturday had to be cancelled for now, but we are now ready to go against Southampton," said Noble, who would be making his 200th appearance for the club against the Saints.

"Obviously with our position at the top of the table and with them a point below us, it is set to be a good match and one people are looking out for. Hopefully afterwards the outcome is of us being the winners on the night."

Noble could captain the side in the absence of suspended skipper Kevin Nolan. The No16 is hoping to inspire the Hammers again, just as he did in the 2-1 win over Millwall in their previous home league match.

"We just want to go out there and win every game, it is as simple as that. It will be a tough match, Southampton want what we want - promotion - and so I am sure it will be a close match again, but hopefully it is us who will be emerging as the winners come the final whistle."

Tuesday's match at the Boleyn Ground will also see West Ham helping to raise awareness and funds for the Richard House Children's Hospice, one of the club's official charities. For Noble, it is a cause particularly close to his heart, as he is a patron of the Beckton-based hospice.

"It is important to support Richard House because it is a fantastic place, it is a fantastic cause and what they are doing down there is just second to none.

"I have been there many times, they have to hit their budgets every year to keep the hospice running and help keep the children and young people alive if they can and for those who sadly have a life-ending condition, the hospice enables those to have the best quality of life with their families as long as they possibly can in the time they have left.

"Everyone can help by texting RHCH02 £5 to 70070 to donate a fiver. On the night, their volunteers will be collecting money at the match. Every bit of support is massive for them."

For more information about Richard House Children's Hospice, click here.