West Ham winger Matthew Etherington has admitted he is surprised still to be at the club.

The former Tottenham man believed he might have been on the way out of Upton Park at the end of last season.

Etherington struggled for form last term, but he has bounced back this campaign and has impressed for Alan Curbishley's side keeping Luis Boa Morte out of the starting XI.

Plans

"The manager brought in so many players it does make you wonder if you're still in the his plans, but I've got my head down, worked hard and it's good to be in the team," said Etherington.

"Maybe I got a little bit complacent. Under Alan Pardew I thought I was a regular fixture in the team and I found myself out of the team last year, but I learned from that. Every player gets a time in their career when things aren't going well for them.

"In the summer I wasn't expecting to be here, and maybe the fans weren't expecting it either, but now I'm in the team and I want to stay there.

"I wasn't in the team for the first game this season but I got back in. Luis is a very good player but I've managed to keep him out up until now and hopefully I will again on Saturday.

"It's my fifth season here now. I'm a long-standing player compared to some of the lads. There are not many players from a couple of years ago who are still here.

Competition

"The manager has brought in a lot of quality players and there's competition for places which can only be good for West Ham.

"I love this club. They took me from Tottenham and gave me a chance when things weren't going well for me under Glenn Hoddle. I owe what I've achieved up until now to West Ham.

"I've always given my all for West Ham. The support is second to none. They expect you to win every Saturday and that's fair enough. There's added pressure at home but they've been awesome to me. If you're not doing it they let you know and if you are they sing your praises."