DREAM TICKET
Moyes: Think big and target Champions League spot
DAVID MOYES wants West Ham to dream of Champions League football.
And that starts when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United today, following a midweek FA Cup exit at Bristol City. The Irons remain hot on the heels of London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham at the halfway mark of the Premier League season and Moyes sees no reason why West Ham can not apply further pressure in the race for Europe and beyond. The 60-year-old Scot said: “I’m always going to challenge if we can. “Last year or the year before we were in the top four for a period and everyone was talking about the Champions League. For me to come out and say that today I could still be laughed at the same way. “But I’m going to do it. “I am not going to come out and say, ‘I want to finish seventh’ - I’m going to say, ‘I want to finish first’.
“Realistically, that’s probably going to be difficult for us – however, we’ll keep pushing on.”
West Ham have claimed several high-profile scalps in the Premier League this season including away victories at both Arsenal and Spurs.
But those memorable triumphs will count for precious little if they fail to take care of business against the Blades, who remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Moyes also shared his appreciation for the Hammers underwhelming striker Danny Ings who is approaching his one-year anniversary in east London.
Ings has failed to score in 17 club appearances this season but Moyes still thoroughly enjoys working with the misfiring forward, despite those recent struggles.
“We brought Danny in when Micky Antonio and
Gianluca Scamacca were injured,” recalled Moyes.
“We were really short of centreforward options and we wanted someone that could score in the Premier League.
“We needed someone to hit the ground running like we talked about.
“I can remember him scoring two against Nottingham Forest when we probably needed the goals to make sure we weren’t in a relegation battle last year.
“Danny has played his part and he’s probably wanted more minutes than we’ve been able to offer him but there are circumstances that have affected the situation.”
When asked whether he envisages things working out better for Ings in an Irons shirt, Moyes concluded: “All I can say is, we really like him.
“He works hard and tries to be the best he can be every day. We’re really supportive of him.” Jarrod Bowen could be in line for a return to action today following his recent ankle problem.
The England international hobbled off the pitch at the end of the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Bristol City before missing the replay at Ashton Gate.
West Ham are still yet to receive clarification on when Lucas Paqueta could be fully fit following his tendon issue.
It is hoped Edson Alvarez and Pablo Fornals might also be fit to return to the squad following recent niggles. Said Benrahma is out suspended following his FA Cup red card.