Midfield general Michael Carrick paid tribute to the unity and togetherness which has helped Hammers return to form at last.

The young Geordie, who was a target for the Boleyn boo-boys earlier in the season, reckons the side has gained a new solidity in the back-to-back wins at Fulham and Sunderland.

"Last week everyone wanted to know what was going wrong, but this week we've got our third away win and everyone wants to know the secret," he said after last night's 1-0 win at Loftus Road.

"I think we were solid -- the whole team was solid -- and that was the key."

Carrick was one of the players singled out by manager Glenn Roeder, who was clearly very happy with the club's turnaround in fortune.

Matchwinner Paolo Di Canio was also picked out by the boss after he nervelessly tucked away the only goal from the penalty spot.

Roeder said: "He's so experienced now and he's been in that situation many times."

Published Thursday October 24, 2002

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