Pardew Praise For Carrick

Last updated : 14 February 2004 By Mad Reporter

"I felt we shaded the game in terms of the chances that were created and a number of my players had outstanding games," the Hammers boss said after the game at Loftus Road which means the two sides will replay at Upton Park for a quarter final place.

"I told the players at half time that I thought we could win the game and didn't want to accept just a draw. I really believed we could come away with a victory and we certainly did everything we could to try and get in the next round.

"Michael Carrick in particular had a superb game in front of the watching England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. That performance would have done him no harm whatsoever.

"Michael missed a lot of the pre-season through injury and when I first came to the club I expected a lot more from him.

"But he has certainly shown me in the last few weeks how good he really is and is among the best midfielders in the country.

"There is a nice spirit in the camp at the moment and they are all hungry to do well.

"There were a few areas of the pitch where we had the upper hand and that is really important to me.

"I have got six more players available to me next week and there will be some fierce competition for places, but it does give everyone a chance.

"It will be a great atmosphere for the replay and the fans for once will be turning up hoping we win rather than expecting us to win which will help us.

"But it would be great to get a victory against a Premiership side."