Young full-back Glen Johnson is ready for the biggest challenge of his short career as West Ham prepare to face Bolton in a vital relegation clash.

With Hammers three points adrift of Wanderers, defeat is unthinkable if they are to preserve their Premiership status.

But despite the intense pressure on the 18-year-old right-back he remains confident of a repeat of the win at West Brom which kicked off the club's six-match unbeaten run.

"West Brom was probably my biggest game so far, but this will top it easily," he said.

"We will take it like any other game, but it means a lot to us. It's only three points, but it's a big three points.

"When things were bad everyone was at each other a little, but now we're all working hard and everyone's working at their best."

While manager Glenn Roeder is keen to play down the importance of the game, insisting it is simply another chance to get three points, he admits it will be a big match.

"I don't know if you can enjoy a situation like this," he added. "But you learn to live with it and if you get the outcome you want it's terrific.

"I'd still rather be in the position of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger this week, though. I'd rather be at the other end of the table."

Michael Carrick, who has missed the last two games with a stomach strain, returned to full training yesterday and is hoping to be fit to return to the side.

Published Friday, April 18, 2003

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