Song - I am very happy to be back

Alex Song was a tired but proud man after helping West Ham United to a hard-fought goalless draw at Manchester United.

The midfielder made his first senior start in seven months as the Hammers climbed back into the Barclays Premier League’s top six with a fine performance at Old Trafford.

Song, who has recently returned following a long-term ankle problem, was part of a superb all-round term performance that combined defensive resilience with counter-attacking flair.

“I think we did very well,” he told West Ham TV. “Firstly, we had a lot of chances to score, but we have to be happy with the draw and with the point, because the way we were working together and the team spirit we showed was fantastic.

“The fans were very happy and that’s why we have to play like this, and we just have to improve at home as well. In a way, we are happy to get a point.

“We had a lot of opportunites to win this game but this is football – sometimes it doesn’t go in and no matter how hard you try, you cannot score. I am happy, but I think I could be happier if we won this game. It’s the same for the fans as well.”

Song says the Hammers have to take the confidence they have shown on the road this season into their performances at the Boleyn Ground.

West Ham have earned 14 of their 23 points away from home this season, winning at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and now drawing at Manchester United.

“We played very well, but for the future we just have to keep going and improve our game at home, because if we do that then we will get much more confident.

“When we play away, we are very good. That’s why we have to try to do the same thing at home.”
West Ham hit the post twice and lost Victor Moses to injury, but there was a sense of pride rather than frustration at the final whistle.

For Song, simply returning to the pitch from the kick-off after such a long time on the sidelines was a source of real pride and happiness.

“I’m very happy because for six months I did not do anything,” he explained. “I was just training very hard when I was injured. When I had surgery, I had to work very hard to come back.

“I am very happy because it’s not finished yet. I have to keep working. I am very happy with how I played but I know I’m not 100 per cent.

“The last 15 minutes it was very hard because my legs were shaking a little bit. That’s normal because I didn’t play, but I am happy with how things went and I just have to rest and be ready for when the manager gives me the chance to play.”

Song will now continue to build up his fitness and form as West Ham prepare for the busy festive period.

With home games against Stoke City and Liverpool, trips to Swansea City and Aston Villa and the FA Cup third round all on the agenda, the No4 will be a vital figure as the Hammers try to maintain their top-half position in the New Year.

“For me, I’ve said every time that in the next few years we will be fighting for the top, because that’s what everyone at the Club wants to do.

“The fans give all their best to support the team and then the players want to achieve a lot of things. That’s the way we want to be and the way we want to play for West Ham Football Club.”