Beckham fighting fit for UK fanbase

ALEX MILLER NEW YORK GIANTS star Odell Beckham Jr is desperate to be fit enough to play against the LA Rams today – because he loves the fans in the UK.

The Giants face the Rams at Twickenham this afternoon in the second of three regular season NFL games to be played in England in 2016.

And wide receiver Beckham Jr is fighting to be ready after missing some practice sessions in midweek with a hip problem before the trip to London.

After getting tangled up with kicking nets on the sidelines earlier this season – and then “proposing” to one a few weeks later – Beckham Jr has been a tough catch for his opponents, picking up the NFC offensive player of the week award after scoring two touchdowns last week.

He said: “I’ve got a sore hip but I’m looking forward to playing – I’ve been looking forward to it since it was announced. “I’m excited about the opportunity of going there.

I think it will be a great atmosphere. “They have a great love for football in the UK and they are trying to integrate that to American Football.

“I think it will be a welcoming reception for both teams.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”

The Giants are bottom of the NFC East behind Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia and Beckham Jr added: “We’ve got to keep setting the bar higher and higher.

“We’ve had a good week of practice but it’s a tough challenge ahead.

“The Rams are playing at a high level right now and they are a good team.”

Back on the other side of the Atlantic today, the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings travel to Philadelphia, who will be hoping to bounce back from two consecutive defeats after starting the season with three wins.

Tom Brady (above) and the New England Patriots, who are currently top of the AFC East, take on AFC North leaders the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks travel to Arizona to face NFC West rivals the Cardinals.