On-loan defender Robbie Stockdale believes that West Ham are on the verge of putting their home blues behind them - starting tomorrow against Preston.

The right-back has been back in the squad for the last couple of games and is seeing a new spirit in the squad.

"We have won the last two games and apart from a silly own goal in the last minute at Wigan we would have had two clean sheets," he said.

"There's a lot more confidence now and it's good to have that when we are going into a couple of important games."

Although the 24-year-old Scottish international had suffered a difficult time with injuries since coming down from Middlesbrough, he is enjoying his time in London - and like many new arrivals at Upton Park he reckons the club is full of Premiership potential.

"It's very similar to Middlesbrough," he said. "Both are big clubs and there are not too many differences.

"Obviously Boro can go out and spend money on players which Hammers can't afford, but there is a good set-up here and it's great getting a few games under my belt."

With Tomas Repka beginning a two-game ban, Stockdale will be lining up in a changed back four against Preston tomorrow.

Christian Dailly returns to the centre after a substitute appearance at Wigan, and will take the captain's armband again while Ian Pearce and Wayne Quinn continue.

More on West Ham United atthe official site

Published Friday January 9, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo