Rookie keeper Steve Bywater is out to save West Ham a fortune following the departure of David James to Manchester City.
The 22-year-old former England under-21 international is ready to seize his chance of securing the first-team spot he has waited three years to make his own.
And with manager Alan Pardew looking to see whether the ex-Rochdale man can fill the gap left by England's number one, Bywater knows a good performance at Bramall Lane tomorrow could earn him an extended run in the first team.
"I've waited a long time for this," said the likeable Lancastrian. "I've kept going and it's a great opportunity for me.
"I spoke to the gaffer and what he said is fair enough. I just want to go and enjoy it and do my best.
"I'm excited about the chance because there's no point turning up every week to sit on the bench. You're up for it, but it's not the same."
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Published Friday January 16, 2004
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