A delighted Gianfranco Zola is looking beyond his sides victory over Wigan Athletic and is seeking a final push towards a European spot for a team that at one stage looked relegation contenders.

 

West Ham lie seventh in the Premier League, two wins behind sixth placed Everton but changes to the competitions available to clubs mean that seventh could be good enough depending on the ultimate destination of the FA Cup. Zola is optimistic about the prospects of European football in East London. "We are there, why not? We are ambitious“ he said, "We know it is not an easy achievement. But the players are enthusiastic; they are enjoying what they are doing and are getting better and better.“

The win against Wigan was marred by an injury to Jack Collinson and a red card for striker Carlton Cole but while acknowledging the decision in respect of Cole, Zola was also hopeful over Collinson. “He twisted his knee and may have stretched his medial ligament. But it shouldn't be too bad, touch wood."