The stage is set for an Upton Park duel between the Premier League's hottest young strikers when West Ham entertain Everton on Saturday.

Everton hot-shot Wayne Rooney could line up against Hammers' star Jermain Defoe in the televised clash (kick off 4.05pm).

But while the hype over both players threatens to go into overdrive, Hammers boss Glenn Roeder is urging patience to allow the players to develop properly -- citing Defoe's stealthy progress as a good example.

Roeder said: "Jermain is developing physically and mentally all the time for us.

"This season he will have more starts and at the end of it we would like to think he will be an even better player. At his age he should be getting better every year -- but only if we can keep the speculation away from him."

Steve Lomas is available for a return to the midfield after shaking off a virus, while Fredi Kanoute is doubtful with his groin injury.

But otherwise it will be the same squad as the one which saw off Fulham at Craven Cottage which means a place for Paolo Di Canio, despite his on-going contract uncertainties.

And while Roeder remains reluctant to discuss that issue, he was forthright about claims that the Italian had clashed with Fulham fans on Wednesday night.

He said: "He did nothing wrong whatsoever. After the game he never left the grass until he came down the tunnel. There's nothing to talk about.

"He just walked along the side of the pitch and down the tunnel and I was amazed to be asked about it. People are just looking for little things and little angles which aren't there."

Published Friday October 25, 2002