Hull City boss Iain Dowie is highly confident that the Tigers can
reel in West Ham and avoid relegation from the Premier League this
season.
Hull are currently three points behind the Hammers having
played a game less than the East Londoners as the two sides battle
it out to beat the drop.
Their game in hand comes at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday
as they look to build on their 0-0 draw at Birmingham City at the
weekend.
Asked if West Ham were still in their sights, Dowie said:
"Massively, very much in sight. If we win our game in hand, if we
put decent points on the board in the next two games we'll be right
in the shake-up.
"We've got Wigan to play, that's a crucial game. There'll be
some twists and turns but we've got to make sure we look after our
business."
After the midweek clash against Villa there will only be
three matches remaining to save the season for Hull.
Dowie says the pressure is cranking up on his team - but he
is confident the players in his squad can handle it.
"It's what this game's about pressure," he added. "Last
Saturday at Birmingham at the end you enjoy it but at the time it's
a hugely stressful environment.
"We can't wait for the game to come around."
Three of Hull's remaining four games are at home and they
will be keen to pick up maximum points at the KC Stadium.
Villa still harbour a faint hope of finishing in the top four
this term and earning a place in next year's Champions League, and
Dowie is expecting a tough challenge from the Claret and Blues.
He added: "Certainly with two games at home we've got to put
some serious points on the board.
"We're well aware of the threat that Villa pose, I think
they're the third best team away from home in the league, we know
what they bring.
"Martin (O'Neill) has done a terrific job there, the money
he's invested he's invested in great players.
"But we can't spend too much time worrying about what they'll
bring to the party.
"It's about what we bring and if we bring what we did at
Birmingham on Saturday and a little bit more craft and a little bit
more rub of the green we'll put some points on the board for sure.
"We need four more replica performances but hopefully a
little more end product.
"I think Villa will come to win, Martin's said that, his
sides are set up to do that.
"They're as good a side as any in the country at
counter-attacking in my opinion.
"We've got to make sure that we cope with their threats but
also make sure we expose one or two weaknesses they have."
