West Ham new boys can boost revival

Posted Tuesday, February 01, 2011 by thesun.co.uk

AVRAM GRANT insists his January transfer deals will see West Ham climb out of the relegation drop zone.
The Hammers boss has added Robbie Keane, Demba Ba, Gary O'Neil and Wayne Bridge to a squad which was hit by injuries in the first half of the season.

Now he is hoping the enthusiasm which often comes from new faces will pay off right away.

Grant said: "The squad is not bad but because of the injuries we've had we needed more players for competition and fresh legs.

"We had injuries in the first half of the season and things didn't go for us. We were looking for players to make up the 18 on match day so it was very difficult.

"The next game is very important to us and against Blackpool the players will give everything they have. It is important for both teams but for us it is more important.

"Then we take on Birmingham. Both are teams near to us in the table so it is vital to pick up points. We will approach those games with confidence, especially if we can sustain the football we have played in recent games."

The prospect of 30-year-old Keane playing with Victor Obinna and Frederic Piquionne, the Hammers' leading scorer in the league, gives Grant hope.

He said: "I'm really happy to have Keane. He can help us a lot and brings plenty of quality.''

Meanwhile, Hammers are talking over a loan move for young striker Frank Nouble to go to Barnsley until the end of the season.