WHUFC.com
There might have been three Hammers in Under-21 action on Monday but only
one was a winner
28.03.2011
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson had a night to remember up against club colleagues
James Tomkins and Jordan Spence on Monday night. The Hammers centre-back
headed a 66th-minute winner for Iceland Under-21s in a 2-1 friendly win away
to England Under-21s in Preston. The 20-year-old Eyjolfsson more than did
his job at the other end by keeping Ipswich Town starlet Connor Wickham
quiet in an entertaining match at Deepdale. Nathan Delfouneso had put the
Young Lions in front only for Iceland to equalise through Arnor Smarason
just before half-time. Tomkins, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on
Tuesday, played the whole 90 minutes for Stuart Pearce's under-strength
side, having played for 85 minutes of last Thursday's 4-0 win against
Denmark. He was joined by Spence, on loan at Bristol City, for the last 17
minutes with the right-back having impressed in the last month in the
Championship to earn his maiden cap at this level. England and Iceland are
among the eight nations taking part in this summer's UEFA European Under-21
Championship in Denmark.
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Turgott the England saviour
WHUFC.com
Hammers forward Blair Turgott has continued his excellent progress for club
and country
28.03.2011
Blair Turgott was the main man for England again with the decisive goal in a
2-1 win against Belgium in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round
qualifying. Turgott had scored a crucial goal on Saturday in a 3-1 group
opener against Northern Ireland and came off the bench in the 53rd minute on
Monday evening to score the winner 13 minutes later. The victory against the
Group 5 mini-tournament hosts has set up a crucial showdown with Spain on
Thursday, when only a win will take the Young Lions to the summer finals in
Serbia between 3 and 15 May. West Ham United continue to be well represented
at all levels for England, with Jordan Spence and James Tomkins on U21 duty
on Monday night while Robert Hall - who helped England win the 2010 U17
finals - and George Moncur will face Italy away in an U18 friendly on 12
April.
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Piquionne pushing hard
WHUFC.com
A frustrating foot injury will hopefully not prevent Frederic Piquionne from
facing Manchester United
28.03.2011
Frederic Piquionne is hoping to return to first-team training this week
before Saturday's visit of Manchester United after being forced to sit out
since the FA Cup defeat by Stoke City. The French striker was hurt in a
collision with Robert Huth as he scored the Hammers' only goal in that 3-1
defeat back on 13 March. Piquionne suffered a painful foot injury that
required him to rest it completely, meaning he finished last week focusing
his efforts on fitness and bike work in the Chadwell Heath gym. "I am
recovering well," Piquionne told West Ham TV. "The physio and I are hoping
this week I can train with the first team. My right toes were injured, it
was really painful. "It was a shame because I started the Stoke game slowly
but I was able to score. I needed to come off and it was a shame for the
rest of the game. I think I could have scored again and we might have won
the game."
Although Piquionne had to sit out the trip to Tottenham Hotspur a week ago,
he has been helped by the enforced international break. "It has been good
for me. I have two weeks to come back. I have extra time to prepare for the
big game against Man U and I hope I can be back."
He has nine goals from 35 appearances so far for the Hammers but believed he
could yet add more to that tally in the hope of helping the team's survival
fight. "It is time to take points now because there are just eight games
until the end of the season. We need to stay in the Premier League.
"Confidence is high. In the Premier League we have had some good results
against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need to keep this confidence
against Man U. Maybe we can win the game.
"Home matches are very important. We have Man U, Aston Villa and Blackburn
at home and we need to take nine points from these matches."
As ever, the popular Piquionne is aware that the team game at West Ham
extends beyond the pitch and into all four corners of the Boleyn Ground.
"The supporters are very good and we need them for the rest of the season. I
hope we stay in the Premier League and the team will do the maximum for
that. For that I need to stay cool to help my team and I need to train hard
to get back into the team."
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Blackburn Rovers 4-1 Reserves
WHUFC.com
Anthony Edgar's penalty cannot prevent Steve Lomas suffering his first
defeat as reserve-team manager
28.03.2011
BLACKBURN ROVERS v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE
MONDAY 28 MARCH 2011
KICK-OFF: 2PM
Full-time score - Blackburn Rovers reserves 4-1 West Ham United reserves
92 mins - The final whistle is blown and it's handshakes all-round. Lomas
tells opposite number Gary Bowyer that his side deserved to win and he's
right. Blackburn were clinical in the early and late stages of the game.
West Ham had a spell before and after scoring their goal, but it wasn't
enough. Don't forget to keep an eye on whufc.com and West Ham TV for
reaction and highlights. The reserves return to action on Friday, when
Manchester United are the visitors to Bishop's Stortford FC.
90 mins - We're going to have at least two added minutes. It's been a tough
afternoon for the young Hammers and one I'm sure they will learn from. It's
always difficult to get back into a game when you concede twice in the
opening ten minutes and that has certainly been the case this afternoon. It
is not that West Ham have not given their all, but they have just been
second-best on the day.
89 mins - Edgar sends a high free-kick to the far post where McNaughton wins
the header, but he's penalised for a push.
87 mins - GOAL! He's not offside this time. Molina switches play with a
fantastic pass to Evans that by-passes Driver. He plays a neat pass to the
over-lapping full-back and when the ball is pulled back, Hitchcock belts a
first-time finish high into the net. Clinical. The goal-scorer is rewarded
by being replaced by Hanley.
86 mins - Blackburn have the ball in the net again, but Hitchcock is
offside.
83 mins - From the corner, Pearson powers a header goalwards and Abdulla
blocks on the line.
81 mins - Blackburn bring on Wylie for Knowles. From the kick-off, Rovers
win the ball quickly and Osawe is in again, only for Abdulla to track back
and make a fine challenge.
80 mins - GOAL! That's probably that. Blackburn win the ball back in
midfield and substitute Osawe streaks away past McNaughton and belts his
shot across Larkins and into the far corner. Fry was hurt in the build-up to
that goal. It looks like a groin problem. Declan Hunt is on to replace him.
77 mins - Edgar is fouled wide on the right. Another chance to deliver some
quality into the box. Lomas urges Fry and McNaughton to get forward for
Abdulla's delivery, but it is headed clear of danger.
75 mins - Edgar sends in a fierce, dipping free-kick that is headed out for
a corner by Molina. Edgar takes the left-wing corner and Molina is there
again to head clear.
74 mins - Superb play from Lee as he chops back on his right foot and is
brought down a couple of yards outside the box on the left. Edgar to take...
73 mins - Blackburn make their first chance, with Osawe coming on for
MacLaren. The Hammers have got a boost from that goal and are pushing hard
for an equaliser. Great spirit from the visitors.
71 mins - That's a let-off. Abdulla loses possession in midfield and Evans
runs at Modelski and Edgar before slotting the ball inside. It is poked back
into the path of the No7 but he can only drive a low shot wide from 20
yards.
68 mins - GOAL! The corner is a poor one but it finds Hall at the near post.
He controls and shoots and the ball hits a Blackburn hand. The referee
points to the spot. Edgar strolls up and strokes the ball into the bottom
left-hand corner.
67 mins - That's better. Modelski and Hall combine before Moncur finds Lee
18 yards out. He strikes the ball first-time and it flicks off a defender
and wide.
66 mins - Lee gets involved, collecting a long pass down the left from Fry
before winning a throw, but it comes to nothing.
64 mins - McCallum is the man to come off. Lee comes on for his reserve-team
debut. West Ham go 4-4-1-1 with Hall behind Lee and Edgar wide on the right
wing.
62 mins - Lomas has his three outfield substitutes warming up. Elliot Lee
will be on shortly.
60 mins - That should be 1-2. Abdulla collects the ball from Fry inside his
own half before turning and releasing Hall. He slots a pass inside for the
advancing Modelski, who cuts it back into the path of the unmarked Edgar,
but the No7 slides his left-foot shot wide of the far post from 12 yards.
58 mins - Montano has suffered a hamstring injury and is receiving treatment
in the dressing room. Back on the pitch, it's still not happening for the
Hammers, no matter how hard they are trying to get back into this game.
Driver goes forward and beats one and then another before losing control as
he enters the penalty area.
54 mins - Hall nicks the ball in midfield and tries to play in Subuola. It's
close to being a great ball, but Pearson gets a foot in to intercept. That's
a shame, because Subuola would have been in on goal.
51 mins - Hall takes the free-kick but it's cleared to Driver on halfway. He
lofts the ball back in, but it's too high for Fry and Kean collects on the
bounce.
50 mins - Blackburn counter-attack through Morris, but his left-foot shot
flies a long way over the top. West Ham immediately go forward again and
Ramm brings down Hall. A chance for the Hammers to deliver some quality into
the area.
49 mins - Edgar works Kean with a savagely-dipping shot from 25 yards. The
goalkeeper plunges to his right and helps the ball around the post. Moncur
takes the corner, but it's easily cleared at the near post.
48 mins - The Hammers have started on the front foot, but two attempts from
Hall to get the ball into the penalty area are unsuccessful.
46 mins - Blackburn get the second half underway shooting from right to
left. Lomas demands that his players start the second half at a high tempo.
Half-time score - Blackburn Rovers reserves 2-0 West Ham United reserves
Montano has taken a whack to the back of his leg. He has been taken into the
training ground building treatment room for a check-over, but hopefully it
will not be too serious.
48 mins - That's half-time. Lomas calls his players together for a chat by
the away dugout, He needs to rally his troops ahead of the second 45
minutes.
45 mins - Montano needs to be stretchered off. I'm not sure of the extent of
his injury, or even what part of his body the No11 has hurt, but I'll do my
best to find out. The medical staff are taking their time before bringing
Montano off. After three minutes or so, Subuola is on.
43 mins - Henley tries to pick out the run of right-back Ramm, but Montano
is there with the header back to Fry. Ramm runs into the Colombian and
Montano is down and needs treatment. He's not going to be able to continue
and Subuola is immediately told to get ready by manager Lomas.
41 mins - That's West Ham's best period of possession of the game so far.
The Hammers switch flanks a couple of times and pull Rovers around a bit.
Moncur finally finds Edgar in plenty of space, but his shot is scuffed and
rolls well wide. McCallum tries to make something of it, but he is offside
as he slides in.
38 mins - It has been a largely frustrating opening half so far, but at
least West Ham are still putting in 100 per cent. Abdulla finds Montano, who
turns his defender and shoots low and hard from 25 yards. It's straight at
Kean, though, who collects at the second attempt.
36 mins - Driver is back on and tells manager Lomas he is OK to continue.
34 mins - Hitchcock is the first player to be booked after catching Driver
on the left ankle as the full-back cleared his lines. Driver needs the
physio on.
29 mins - Good save by Larkins to prevent a third goal for Blackburn. Evans
skips past Montano and Driver before crossing for the No9, who catches his
volley well. It is going in at the near post until Larkins dives low to his
left to keep the ball out with a strong arm. Fry completes the clearance.
27 mins - Chance for Rovers. Morris beats his marker down the left flank and
cuts the ball back to MacLaren on the edge of the penalty area, but he
screws his left-foot volley well wide of the near post.
25 mins - There are probably about 100 people watching the game this
afternoon. It's a beautiful afternoon and the birds are singing in a very
idyllic setting, but unfortunately it is Blackburn who are enjoying the
surroundings more than their opponents. West Ham certainly haven't given up
the ghost, though, and a goal back could change the whole face of the game.
23 mins - Better from the visitors. Fry and Moncur before the latter finds
Edgar. He feeds McCallum and the ball drops to Hall. The England U18 forward
takes it forward and shoots from 25 yards. It's a low shot and goalkeeper
Kean does well to catch at the first attempt.
21 mins - Driver defends a long ball well and finds Edgar, who smashes a
superb 40-yard ball diagonally across the pitch to Modelski. He releases
Montano, but left winger Evans is lightning quick and forces the No11 to
concede a goal kick.
18 mins - West Ham are working hard for an opening, but not much is working
at present. The ball is given away in midfield and worked inside to Knowles.
The No8 has time to take a touch, but his 25-yard shot flies well over the
crossbar and into some rather tall trees behind the goal.
15 mins - Blackburn look full of confidence, while West Ham look a bit
shell-shocked after their two early mistakes led to goals for the home side.
Blackburn have another chance as Abdulla concedes a free-kick wide on the
left level with the edge of the Hammers box. The ball is delivered and
McCallum heads powerfully clear.
13 mins - Lomas tells his players to keep trying to pass the ball and do the
right things. It's going to be a real test of character now, though.
11 mins - Montano goes through on to Abdulla's pass and tries to poke the
ball past the goalkeeper but Kean is out fast and smothers the ball bravely
at the forward's feet.
10 mins - GOAL! It goes from bad to worse. Fry's back pass is a bit short
and Larkins is challenged by Hitchcock on the edge of the penalty area. The
ball runs just a few yards to Knowles, who slots into the unguarded net.
8 mins - Moncur plays a neat ball through for McCallum, but the No9 is a
yard offside.
5 mins - GOAL! Moncur is penalised for a soft free-kick about 35 yards out,
just right of centre. Josh Morris sends the ball into the penalty area
left-footed and McCallum heads the ball past his own goalkeeper. Rovers take
the lead in unfortunate circumstances.
2 mins - Good again from the visitors as Modelski beats his defender and
crosses towards McCallum, but goalkeeper Kean is there to claim.
1 min - Some encouraging stuff early on from West Ham as Hall and Montano
combine before Moncur finds Edgar wide on the right. He tries to play the
ball inside to Abdulla, but the central midfielder slips.
1,58pm - Abdulla and Hall kick-off...
1.56pm - I have never seen two teams ready earlier for kick-off! The two
sets of players are on the pitch waiting for the officials to get the game
underway!
1.50pm - I'm going to apologise now if there are any lapses in the live text
updates. The internet connection is not that strong up here in the
Lancashire hills. I'll do my very best to keep you updated as often as
possible. Both teams are wearing their home shirts, with West Ham in claret
and blue and Blackburn in blue and white halves. The Hammers are sporting
light blue shorts and light blue socks.
1.35pm - The two teams are out on the pitch warming up. The playing surface
looks superb from up close. With so many players away on international duty,
today's match features two very young and inexperienced teams. However, it
does offer West Ham a chance to continue their superb recent run in the
Barclays Premier Reserve League. Manager Steve Lomas has not suffered a
single defeat since taking over last month, and the former Hammers
midfielder will not want to chalk up his first loss this afternoon.
Good afternoon and welcome to Blackburn Rovers' training ground for today's
Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture. It is a bright, sunny yet somewhat
chilly day in the north east of England.
West Ham can close to within one point of Southern Group leaders Arsenal
with victory in Lancashire today. The Hammers would still have a game in
hand on the Gunners, too. However, Steve Lomas and his players face a
difficult task against a Blackburn team that sit atop Northern Group B.
Lomas has brought a very young and inexperienced side to Blackburn, with
Matt Fry (pictured) and Anthony Edgar the only players on duty to have
played senior football. Fry has spent the majority of the 2010/11 season on
loan at League One outfit Charlton Athletic, while Edgar has previously
spent time with AFC Bournemouth and has made one first-team substitute
appearance for West Ham this term. Alongside them will be first-year
professionals Callum McNaughton, Ahmed Abdulla and Cristian Montano and
scholars Filip Modelski, Callum Driver, George Moncur, Robert Hall and Paul
McCallum. The bench will also be filled with four scholars and promising
schoolboy forward Elliot Lee. Montano has been in excellent form in recent
matches, scoring four times in his last five reserve league matches, while
McNaughton has impressed in captaining the side in victories over Newcastle
United and Blackpool. There has already been good news for Moncur and Hall
this morning as both have been included in England's U18 squad for a
friendly international against Italy in Carpi on Tuesday 12 April.
Blackburn Rovers reserves: Kean, Ramm, Henley, Molina, Pearson, Parry,
Evans, Knowles (Wylie 81), Morris, Hitchcock (Hanley 87), MacLaren (Osawe
73)
Subs: Dilo, Edwards
West Ham United reserves: Larkins, Modelski, Driver, McNaughton, Fry (Hunt
80), Abdulla, Moncur, Edgar, Hall, Montano (Subuola 45), McCallum (E.Lee 64)
Subs: Cowler, Powell
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Groves relishing role
WHUFC.com
Senior coach Paul Groves has given an insight into the morale in the camp
and the big week ahead
28.03.2011
Paul Groves is looking forward to a strong week in training before the small
matter of a Saturday lunchtime meeting with the might of Manchester United.
The Hammers senior coach and the rest of the backroom staff have an extra
challenge this week with so many of the squad away on international duty,
but Groves said the recent good form had made things easier for all. The
club entered the break outside of the bottom three and knowing that
top-flight destiny over the last eight matches lies in their hands. Speaking
exclusively to West Ham TV, Groves said: "There is a very good atmosphere
around the place. Obviously the wins and the results and the performances
bring that about. "There has been a gradual gaining of momentum from the
turn of the year and that has culminated in the position and the state of
where we are now in respect of the whole group. "The whole squad has pulled
together and there has been a big change in terms of the atmosphere around
the place. The results have a big impact but it is also the way people have
come back from injury, the way new players have been integrated into the
squad. It is a combination of small things and they all matter in the end in
bringing it all together."
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Watch Ba score for Senegal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2011
By: Staff Writer
Demba Ba continued his recent run of good form with the only goal in
Senegal's 1-0 win over Cameroon at the weekend. The Hammers striker was just
one of a number of players out on international duty at the weekend and hit
the only goal of Saturday's game to send his country top of the 2012 African
Cup of Nations Group E qualifying table. Elsewhere around the globe, Pablo
Barrera played a vital role in Mexico's 3-1 win over Paraguay. The winger's
seventh minute cross was converted by Manchester United's Javier Hernandez
to give the Mexicans an early lead in a game the won comfortably. Right back
Lars Jacobsen played a full 90 minutes for Denmark as they secured a 1-1
draw with neighbours Norway in Oslo, in Group H of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Jacobsen's side took the lead through Dennis Rommedahl on 27 minutes and led
til the 81st when Bari's Erik Huseklepp saved a point for the home side. In
one of the weekend's surprise results, Jonathan Spector's USA held an
Argentinian side including Lionel Messi to a 1-1 draw in New Meadowlands.
The West Ham reserve played the first half of the game before being replaced
by debutant Timmy Chandler. Closer to home Robbie Keane scored for Ireland
as they edged past Macedonia by two goal to one, whilst Scott Parker player
88 minutes for England as they overcame Wales 2-0 in Cardiff.
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Parker staying strong
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2011
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker has been talking about the devastating loss of his father - and
how he is coping with the loss. Parker's father Mick passed away just over a
week ago after a long illness. But instead of taking time off to deal with
his bereavement, the West Ham and England midfielder has represented both
his club and country since.
To continue to play football is an important part of the process, according
to Parker - who dedicated his latest England performance to his dad in an
emotional interview with the BBC last night. "My father passed away last
Friday but I've cracked on with things because I know that's what he would
have wanted me to have done," said Parker. "It's a shame that he wasn't
around to see me play and that's probably my biggest disappointment. But
he's probably looking down on me and smiling up there. "My father was ill
for a long while and we knew he was ill. I was dealing with it in my own
way; I was with him all day Friday. I left the hospital then went to the
hotel to meet up with the squad - then as soon as I got to the hotel, I
heard that my father was seriously ill. "I was with him on that Friday and I
know the sort of stuff he was saying to me, like he always would say to me.
Before I left him he was telling me about the game and how to play, to look
forward to it and everything like that. "I needed to go out there for him
and I suppose that was the one day when football didn't really come into it.
However bad I would have played that day I just went out there for him
really. " Somethimes it's a relief becasue you come into football and it
takes you away from it a little bit. When you step out you have to do all
the other stuff. Today and certainly Saturday took me out of it a little bit
but that's the way it is. "We have to stay strong, I've got my mum and my
sister to look after now. We'll stay strong and crack on."
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Parker wants England chance
Midfielder feels he is in good form after impressive Wales display
Last updated: 27th March 2011
SSN
Scott Parker is hoping to be given more opportunities for England following
his impressive performance against Wales. The midfielder made his England
debut back in November 2003, but his appearance in Saturday's Euro 2012
qualifier against Wales was just his fifth for the national team. Parker has
been in imperious form despite West Ham United's Premier League struggles
this season and was rewarded with a start at the Millennium Stadium. The
30-year-old ran Ashley Young close for the man-of-the-match award and is now
keen to establish himself in Fabio Capello's side.
Competition
"I got 45 minutes against Denmark, and I thought I did well, and it has gone
well personally again against Wales," said Parker. "I just need to keep the
form up and hopefully get a bit more of a chance. "There is a lot of
competition but I do feel I have been in some really good form this season.
"I thought the midfield combination worked pretty well. It is easy for me
when you are playing with two very good players in Lamps and Jack. "It gives
them licence to go forward a little bit and it makes life easier for me."
Parker feels the key to England's success was silencing the crowd with two
early goals from Frank Lampard and Darren Bent. He said: "It was a very
difficult place to go. First and foremost we got three points. "The
atmosphere was very tense and we quietened the crowd down. We knew we had to
do that and we killed the game."
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Piquionne hopeful on fitness
West Ham striker targets Man Utd return
Last updated: 28th March 2011
SSN
West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne is determined to return from injury
against Manchester United this weekend. Piquionne sustained a foot problem
during the FA Cup defeat to Stoke earlier this month and sat out the
goalless draw at Tottenham. However, he has not had to miss any more games
due to the international break and hopes to put himself in contention for
Saturday's clash with the Red Devils. Having stepped up his recovery
sessions in the gym, Piquionne is pleased with the improvement in his
condition. "I am recovering well," said the 32-year-old. "The physio and I
are hoping this week I can train with the first team. "My right toes were
injured, it was really painful. It was a shame because I started the Stoke
game slowly, but I was able to score. "I needed to come off and it was a
shame for the rest of the game. I think I could have scored again and we
might have won the game."
Piquionne hopes to hit the ground running after an extended break, saying:
"It has been good for me. "I have two weeks to come back. I have extra time
to prepare for the big game against Man Utd and I hope I can be back."
Confident
A four-game unbeaten run has seen Avram Grant's men climb out of the bottom
three and Piquionne is confident the Hammers can pick up what would be a
morale-boosting third straight home win against Manchester United. "It is
time to take points now because there are just eight games until the end of
the season. We need to stay in the Premier League," he told West Ham TV.
"Confidence is high. In the Premier League we have had some good results
against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need to keep this confidence
against Manchester United. Maybe we can win the game. "The supporters are
very good and we need them for the rest of the season. I hope we stay in the
Premier League and the team will do the maximum for that. "For that I need
to stay cool to help my team and I need to train hard to get back into the
team."
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Parker - I'm in top form
Hammers midfielder pleased with individual display
Last updated: 28th March 2011
SSN
Midfielder Scott Parker feels he is in the best form of his career after
helping England to victory over Wales. The West Ham captain won his fifth
cap at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday as England secured a 2-0 Euro 2012
qualifying victory. And 30-year-old Parker, who shone for the Three Lions
with a man-of-the-match winning performance, was delighted to carry his good
form this season into his international game. "I feel like I am probably
playing the best football of my career," Parker said in The Sun. "I went
into the game confident and in form and, hopefully, I showed that out there.
"I was really happy I got a start, got to play and finished up on a winning
side." Parker admits the last week has been particularly hard for him after
his father passed away just eight days before England's victory.
Tough
"It has been a tough week. I suppose the one disappointing fact was that my
dad wasn't here to see me play," he said. "But I am sure he is looking down
and is very proud. "My father had been ill for a long time and I have been
dealing with that in my own way and trying to stay strong in my own way."
Parker's involvement in the international set-up has been limited since
making his England debut back in November 2003, with four of his caps coming
under different managers. But the midfielder insists he has not been
discouraged by his lack of opportunities, adding: "It hasn't baffled me. In
football, nothing baffles me. "At times, it has been a bit disappointing for
me. But, as always, I have just cracked on with it and seen what happened."
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Piq's in the mix to face United
The Sun
Published: 28 Mar 2011
WEST HAM striker Frederic Piquionne is aiming to return to fitness in time
to face Manchester United. The Frenchman missed the goalless draw at
Tottenham after injuring his foot when he scored in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at
Stoke on March 13. But, after stepping up his recovery sessions in the gym,
the nine-goal hitman hopes he will be fighting fit when the
relegation-battling Hammers look to put a dent in United's title at Upton
Park in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off. Piquionne said: "I am recovering
well. The physio and I are hoping this week I can train with the first team.
"My right toes were injured, it was really painful. It was a shame because I
started the Stoke game slowly, but I was able to score. "I needed to come
off and it was a shame for the rest of the game. I think I could have scored
again and we might have won the game. "But the break has been good for me. I
have two weeks to come back. I have extra time to prepare for the big game
against Manchester United and I hope I can be back."
A four-game unbeaten run has seen Avram Grant's men climb out of the bottom
three and Piquionne is confident they can pick up what would be a
morale-boosting third straight home win. He said: "It is time to take points
now because there are just eight games until the end of the season. We need
to stay in the Premier League. "Confidence is high. In the Premier League we
have had some good results against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need
to keep this confidence against Manchester United. "The supporters are very
good and we need them for the rest of the season. I hope we stay in the
Premier League and the team will do the maximum for that."
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Please keep Scott in the team Fabio
The Sun
IAN WRIGHT - Columnist
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FABIO CAPELLO admits Jack Wilshere is now a certain starter for England. But
I'd also love to see Scott Parker given the same guarantee for the rest of
our Euro 2012 qualifiers. For years, I have never understood why this guy
has been continually overlooked and I have said so many times in this
column. We cannot just blame boss Capello either, with both Sven Goran
Eriksson and Steve McClaren guilty of ignoring a player who is clearly the
answer to a specific problem in central midfield. Although aged 30, Parker
made only his fifth England appearance on Saturday but he fitted perfectly
into a 4-3-3 system against Wales. People talk about born leaders and Parker
is definitely one of those, especially when you consider he has played on
for club and country following the death of his father. I know from
experience that when you are suffering personal problems, a football pitch
is the one place where you can get away from everything. You can see Parker
absolutely adores the game. If he was playing for England, West Ham or
Dulwich Hamlet, he would play with the same passion. We still have some
tricky matches in Group G, such as Bulgaria and Montenegro away. They could
both be horrible games on difficult pitches but I really hope Capello sticks
with Parker and plays him in front of our defence. We will be given tougher
tests than Saturday but Parker would comfortably make the step up and I'd
keep him in the team for the Euros. If we qualify, of course.
West Ham fans continue to rave about him and if you speak to supporters of
Chelsea and Newcastle - let alone Charlton where he made his name - you will
not hear a bad word said about him. Capello will field a totally different
team against Ghana tonight but I hope he sticks to his guns and uses Parker
in the same position against Switzerland in June. As we now know, Wilshere
will certainly be there - if fit. It is amazing to think that, back in
August, Arsene Wenger was still thinking of returning him on loan to Bolton.
He certainly looks at home in international football and is clearly a
terrific talent but I do wish people would stop comparing him with Paul
Gascoigne, as they are two totally different players.
In terms of quality, though, Wilshere is going to be top-drawer as he
doesn't give the ball away, gets around the pitch, has legs like tree trunks
and spots a nice pass.
He must also learn as much as possible from Steven Gerrard and Frank
Lampard. Some say both players have had their day but they will still play
key roles within the new system. There would be room for another midfielder
alongside Parker and Wilshere so those writing off Gerrard and Lampard are
foolish. Capello's decision to allow the five English players involved in
the Champions League to return to their clubs was a good idea. With Wilshere
and Parker given starts in a system that suited us, maybe Capello is
starting to understand after all. We will wait and see.
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West Ham talk England out of starting Parker
Published 23:00 28/03/11 By John Cross
The Mirror
Scott Parker is set to be left on the bench against Ghana - after a
desperate plea from West Ham. Hammers manager Avram Grant spoke to England
boss Fabio Capello on Monday and asked him not to risk Parker ahead of the
Eastenders' clash with Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime. Parker
suffered a calf injury against Wales on Saturday, but trained yesterday
despite also having a shoulder problem. The West Ham midfielder went for a
scan and was cleared to play but Grant believes he has convinced Capello not
to use him from the start. It means Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is
likely to start, even though Capello admitted yesterday that the number of
games the teenager has played recently might be a concern. Capello said: "I
don't know if Parker will be completely fit, and also Wilshere has played a
lot of games. I will play Wilshere, but I don't know if he'll play all the
game or half a game."
Arsenal are unlikely to be impressed that Parker can be rested but Wilshere
will be played - especially as England want the midfielder and Liverpool's
Andy Carroll to play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship in
Denmark. Liverpool's Glen Johnson is also set to start at right-back,
despite missing training, because a long-standing problem means his fitness
is carefully managed. Aaron Lennon, who had been set to start the match, has
instead returned to Tottenham because of a minor hamstring injury.
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West Ham 'annoyed' Scott Parker retained by England for Ghana game
Metro.co.uk
Scott Parker's continued involvement in the England squad and the potential
for him to play in the friendly against Ghana on Tuesday night has emerged
as a bone of contention at West Ham. A source at the club has suggested
manager Avram Grant is 'disappointed' Fabio Capello has chosen not to
release Parker back to the Hammers this week ahead of Saturday's crucial
fixture against leaders Manchester United. Newly reinstated captain John
Terry has been released by the national team to return to training, while
fellow Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, Spurs defender Michael
Dawson, and - perhaps most controversially - key United striker Wayne Rooney
were also sent back to their clubs. And it seems this has caused some
consternation at Upton Park before this weekend's crunch clash, as Capello
is said to have rejected a specific request from the east Londoners. 'We're
disappointed Scott hasn't been released,' the source is reported as saying.
'To a clubs like us, fighting relegation is just as important as the
so-called 'big' clubs playing in the Champions League. 'We are still hopeful
that different players will be used [against Ghana] and Scott will come back
to us fit and well.' As the team's main playmaker, Parker is arguably
Grant's most important asset in the battle against the drop. And a surprise
victory over United - currently five points clear at the top of the table -
would go some way to lightening the mood at West Ham, who are only outside
the drop-zone on goal difference.
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Fabio sees fit to keep Parker despite pleas from West Ham to rest star
midfielder
By MATT BARLOW Last updated at 12:36 AM on 29th March 2011
Daily Mail
Fabio Capello has resisted pressure from West Ham to release midfielder
Scott Parker from the England squad. The Hammers have made it clear they
are not keen for Parker to play against Ghana on Tuesday night because he
has a minor calf injury and a nagging shoulder problem. West Ham have a
crucial clash at home to Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on
Saturday and are worried Parker, who played 88 minutes against Wales last
Saturday, will aggravate one of the injuries. England sent the 30-year-old
for a scan on his calf on Monday and decided it was worth keeping him in the
squad, with Capello insisting he will start for the second time in four days
if he is fit. Having impressed against Wales, Parker will not want to miss
the chance to win his sixth cap and play at Wembley for the first time. If
he is not fit enough, Capello is likely to start with Jack Wilshere, which
will annoy Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has already said England are
asking too much from the 19-year-old by playing him in the senior side and
looking at sending him to the European Under 21 Championship in June.
Capello's decision to release the five Champions League players who started
in the win against Wales on Saturday - Manchester United's Wayne Rooney,
Chelsea trio Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole and Tottenham's
Michael Dawson - was intended as a gesture of goodwill but has backfired by
antagonising other clubs who feel they have not received any favours.
West Ham, who are out of the relegation zone on goal difference, will be
disappointed if their inspirational captain Parker ends up playing his third
game in seven days against United, who will have a fresh Rooney after his
week-long rest. Ben Foster and Kyle Walker have left the England squad
because of injury and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon withdrew last night with
a minor hamstring problem. Lennon, who did not feature in Cardiff, had been
pencilled in to play against Ghana but felt discomfort after training
yesterday and was allowed to return home. He is not expected to miss Spurs'
clash at Wigan on Saturday. His absence means Wolves winger Matt Jarvis is
likely to be on the bench and is in line for his international debut.
Capello has promised to make seven changes against Ghana, with Joe Hart,
Glen Johnson, Ashley Young and one of Wilshere or Parker expected to keep
their places.
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WEST HAM FAIL TO WIN BACK SCOTT PARKER
Daily Express
Tuesday March 29,2011
By Matt Law
ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello last night resisted an attempt by West Ham to
pull Scott Parker out of tonight's friendly against Ghana. After hearing
Capello had allowed seven players to return to their clubs, West Ham asked
whether midfielder Parker, could be released after he suffered a slight calf
injury and aggravated a shoulder problem in Saturday's victory over Wales.
But after Parker underwent a scan yesterday afternoon, it was decided he
will remain with the England squad and a decision will be taken this morning
whether he is fit to play at Wembley. Capello wants to include Parker in his
starting line-up, but may decide on caution by naming him on the bench. West
Ham, who are fighting relegation from the Premier League, face Manchester
United on Saturday lunchtime and will be furious if Parker is not available
to play. Capello, though, finds himself in a potentially no-win situation,
as he is likely to start with Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere if he decides
to appease the Hammers and allow Parker to rest. Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger
is already upset Wilshere has been lined up to play in this summer's
European Under-21 Championship finals and does not want his fitness risked.
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GLEN HODDLE BACKING THE GREAT SCOTT PARKER
Daily Express
Tuesday March 22 2011 by Tony Paskin
GLENN HODDLE says Scott Parker could be sensational for England if Fabio
Capello makes him the anchorman of a new-look midfield. England face Wales
at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday knowing victory is important if they
are to qualify for Euro 2012 and make up for a frustrating World Cup. And
Glenn Hoddle, who used a 5-3-2 formation when he was in charge of the
national team at France '98, believes now is the time to look at new ideas
to prove the future can still be bright.
"This is a crossroads for England and we need to try to get some pride back
after the World Cup; it wasn't just the results in South Africa, it was the
way we played as well," said Hoddle. "I believe we'll qualify from the
group, but how we'll do in the tournament is more difficult. We are still in
a transition period and we need to think about how to go forward. "It needs
to start with the formation. I'm not saying 4-4-2 is dead, I'm just saying
it doesn't suit England in international football."
Hoddle believes the answer to England's prayers lies in two overlapping
full-backs and, even more importantly, in West Ham midfielder Parker, who
played in England's last match in Denmark and who has been one of the
Premier League's best players this season. "Scott Parker is an excellent
footballer. He is a terrific all-round modern-day footballer. And at 30
years of age, he's a fit lad," said Hoddle. "I tried to get him when I was
at Tottenham but Chelsea came in at the last minute and we lost him. "He
could play all different roles. If you want him to burst forward, he'd do
it, he has that ability. But if you said, 'I want you to be the sitter and
allow Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere to go forward', then he would be
perfect. "He gets on the ball quickly, he sees the picture quickly. And if
you told him to keep it simple and feed people, he would be sensational in
there. Also, if you do need to change the shape or system because you need
to change the game, he will give you a thrust from midfield as well. So he
would be a surprise element at times. "I'd also say that, in games where we
had more possession, you could use David Beckham as a sitting, holding
midfield player. With the experience he has, I could see him in front of the
centre-halves, picking out passes. But Parker gives you more tenacity."
Hoddle would like to see England adopt a similar 5-3-2 formation to the one
used in his reign, but believes there are other options that could also
prove effective.
"When I was England manager, when we were in possession we played with five
at the back, three in midfield and still kept the two up front because that
keeps the opposition full-back on the cover and allows you to outnumber them
in midfield. But what you need is flexibility," he said. "We have probably
the best attacking full-backs around in Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole. With
those two, you have a real licence to push them forward and, if you are
brave enough, let them go at the same time. Cole and Johnson are two vital
cogs of how I would like England to play. "Of course you need to protect
them with an experienced and cute third midfielder like Parker - and perhaps
that's the conundrum for Fabio Capello. "Maybe you can play two and then ask
someone like Aaron Lennon to start wide and come from out there to inside
and make the three. So one second you look at it and it looks like 4-4-2 and
then suddenly it has changed when you are in possession."
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