Grant calm over Hammers future

Published Feb. 12, 2011 7:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Hammers face a crucial clash with relegation rivals West Brom on Saturday without striker Robbie Keane, who has been ruled out for at least a month with a calf injury. But Grant is confident he can steer his side clear of the relegation zone. "You can't tell me where there is no pressure in football," he said. "You see the pressure at Chelsea, Man United... Everywhere there is pressure. "In this crazy league this season, two wins takes you forward so you always have hope." West Ham are likely to be without James Tomkins (calf) and Matthew Upson (Achilles), but Grant has received some good news from the treatment room with the return of Thomas Hitzlsperger. The German signed from Lazio on a free transfer last summer but is yet to start a game after picking up a serious thigh injury in August. He came through a reserve game in midweek but Grant is not tempted to throw the former Aston Villa man into the team on Saturday to boost morale. "If I wanted morale I would put the cheerleaders out," Grant said. "The situation with Thomas is very dangerous. We want him fit, but we don't want to risk him. "If it would be even 1% element of risk, we would not risk him." Manuel da Costa is likely to take his place in the heart of defence on Saturday after getting through last weekend's substitute appearance unscathed. The Portuguese picked up a serious ankle injury in October and Grant admits his return could not have come at a better time. "In the last week we missed three or four centre-halves, so it's good that he can play," Grant said. "He was great earlier in the season. "He didn't play in the first few games and then he was our best defender before he was injured." Julien Faubert has travelled to the game despite a disagreement with the club last week. The Frenchman was called upon to replace Upson on the bench after Tomkins was injured in the warm-up but he had already left the stadium after being told he had not made the match-day squad. Faubert insists he had to go to hospital to look after his ill son but reports suggested the defender could be fined for not taking his place on the bench. Grant refused to say whether he would discipline the player, adding: "It's an internal matter. I said to Julien what I think and the other players know that."