While their home form continues to stutter a lack of leadership seems to be West Ham's key problem.

And to make matters worse one of the club's natural leaders has been sitting on the side lines after an ankle problem.

Club captain Steve Lomas is approaching a return to action, with a couple of reserve team run-outs already.

But it will still take time before he is seen back in the first time.

"Whenever you've been out for a while there can be problems when you start playing again, and unfortunately I've picked up a groin strain," said the Northern Ireland international.

"I played a full reserve game a couple of weeks ago and I'm hoping to be ready for another next week.

"It's frustrating being on the sidelines, and with an ankle injury I've had to work around it to keep up my fitness with swimming and all-round fitness work."

Published Tuesday January 13, 2004

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