特维斯: 厄普敦公园的头牌明星 2007年4月3日 CARLOS Tevez can go one better than Paolo di Canio by becoming the West Ham hero who saves the club from relegation. Di Canio is an Upton Park legend despite failing to save the Hammers in 2003, while Tevez's goals and graft have at least given them a chance of survival this season after looking certainties for the drop a month ago. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has seen the same defiance in both players, although di Canio's came after he left West Ham and joined Charlton. While at The Valley under Curbishley, di Canio was driven by the target of Charlton's highest Premiership finish before returning to Italy. With West Ham five points from safety with seven games to play, Tevez's future at Upton Park beyond this season is uncertain but the Argentina forward has taken up the challenge of keeping the club in the top flight. 'When di Canio was with me at Charlton and he found out that the top seven was the highest position the club has ever been, he was determined in how he was going to leave Charlton,' said Curbishley. 'If Carlos is determined that he's going to leave us in the Premiership then it'll be great.' Tevez made Bobby Zamora's opener against Middlesbrough and scored the other in the most straightforward win of West Ham's eventful season. ENTERTAINER In the mould of di Canio, Tevez has become the entertainer of Upton Park, although his workrate has also endeared him to the fans. 'He decided five or six weeks ago that this is the way forward and the others have followed,' said the Hammers boss. Curbishley has encouraged Tevez to be more direct following a six-month goal drought after signing from Corinthians earlier in the season. 'When I first came here he was on the bench and the crowd were singing for him. It put a bit of pressure on,' said Curbishley. 'Every time he gets it now it's further up the field and he's caused problems.' Should Tevez keep West Ham in the Premiership, he could also have the chance of staying at Upton Park, with Curbishley adding: 'Di Canio did it over a period of time and everyone took him on board. 'We'll have to see how long Carlos is here for. 'For us to even think about anything (like keeping him), I think we'd have to be a Premiership club.' With Sheffield United and Wigan losing, West Ham's back-to-back victories offer hope of survival. Despite facing Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in their run-in, full-back Lucas Neill is seeing confidence grow in the squad. He said: 'At the moment we've got a little bit of momentum and some belief. 'It's important at this stage of the season that we're positive. 'The boys are believing now that they're going into each game and can get something, which is a nice feeling. 'It's going to be an interesting run-in. With the fans we've got we can use them as our 12th man, then we have a fantastic chance.' Curbishley agreed, adding: 'I think there'll be a few more twists. 'One or two others are coming under pressure.' Boro boss Gareth Southgate is wary of his side's season fizzling out as they creep over the 40-point mark. 'Next season starts now,' he said. 'We're not on our holidays.' Southgate also backed Stewart Downing to cope with jeering from fans for his part in England's lacklustre displays in the international break. 'He's big enough to deal with it,' Southgate added. |