Wednesday 19 September 2007

The Comeback Trail

The Mirror claim Derby midfield ace Giles Barnes is set to sign for West Ham United in January on a loan-back arrangement until the summer. Barnes, nephew of former Hammer Bobby, has been a long-term target for Alan Curbishley. A source close to Upton Park is reported as saying: "Derby will want £5million, with a clause he can spend the rest of the season on loan at Pride Park following the switch." The Mail think manager Billy Davies is resigned to the fact that he will one day have to sell his star midfielder, who was a target for the Hammers and Tottenham in the summer after helping the Rams reach the top flight with a string of eye-catching performances. Barnes is close to a return after injuring a foot in the play-off final against West Brom and Davies is determined to get his prize asset fit and firing before even considering parting company with the youngster.

Elsewhere, Bobby Zamora is ready to hand the Hammers a boost as he should be fit to face Newcastle at the weekend. The striker has been out with a knee injury, but expects to return to replace crocked Craig Bellamy, who has suffered a groin injury. Speaking of Bellamy, you can hear an exclusive interview with the Wales striker in this week's The Game podcast in The Times.


Scott Parker is also on the comeback trail after playing 90 minutes in the reserve team victory over Portsmouth last night. A strong West Ham team containing eight first-team regulars saw of Pompey with Henri Camara scoring both goals in a 2-1 win. The Senegal striker showed great poise and technique to grab his goals and declared himself delighted to be able to play for his new club at last. "I was very pleased just to play, as I joined the club and then had to go away with Senegal which meant that I have not had much time to meet with everyone and be considered for games," he said. "To play in this match was important and very good for me and to get two goals made it even better. There were some good crosses coming into the box and I just tried to get on the end of them. I was very happy to see the goals go in, it was my first match and I hope to carry on and score more." The former Wigan and Wolves forward is settling in well and is currently finding himself a London base to call home. "I like London a lot already and West Ham is a big club that I was only too happy to join. We have a lot of good players and I am looking forward to playing with all of them and helping the club have a good season."

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