Striker confident of Hammers’ survival

Striker Robbie Keane is confident he has a bright future at West Ham.

The on-loan Spurs midfielder has only made three appearances since joining the club in January, but his temporary move will become a �6million permanent deal if the Hammers survive relegation.

West Ham are clear of the drop zone but only by goal difference and with eight matches to go as many as 10 teams could yet go down, with Sunderland in ninth just six points above the Hammers.

“I think, as a group of players, we certainly believe we won’t get relegated. We certainly have the players in the team who can score goals,” said Keane.

“The table is so close, so if we get a couple of back-to-back wins we’re right back up there again.”

“I’m looking forward to my future at West Ham. It’s obviously been a little bit frustrating. I came back and unfortunately I got injured in my second game which was disappointing, but luckily enough I’m back fit now and I played 20 minutes against Stoke and 65 minutes in the reserves.”

Keane has been called up for to the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming matches against Macedonia and Uruguay, matches he hopes will be a great help in him gaining much-needed match practice.

“The international games have come at a nice time for me,” Keane said.

“I’m looking forward to playing two games and hopefully getting myself back in the mix again.”

When he and the other 11 players called up for international duty return, the squad will be fully focused on current Premier League leaders Manchester United who make the trip to Upton Park the following Saturday.

After going 25 games unbeaten at the start of the season, United have lost two of their last four games, while the Hammers have lost just once in seven matches in a run which has seen them face tough opponents in Everton, Stoke, Liverpool and more recently Spurs.

“Manchester United is another tough game. Our next few games are very tough and it was crucial that we got something out of Saturday’s game,” Keane said.

“Our home record is decent and we always do well against the so-called bigger teams so it’s a game I’m certainly looking forward to and I’m sure the lads are too.”