Jacobsen aims to prove fitness

Jacobsen: Fresh start

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Lars Jacobsen is hoping to put himself in contention for a West Ham debut when he features for Denmark on Tuesday night.

The Danes kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign at home to Iceland, with Jacobsen set to make only his second appearance of the season having played in just a Carling Cup game so far for Blackburn.

The 30-year-old defender fell down the pecking order at Ewood Park but is now looking to make a fresh start having secured a deadline-day move to West Ham and hopes to make his Hammers bow at home to Chelsea on Saturday.

"We are playing at home against Iceland and most people expect us to win, we expect that ourselves," Jacobsen told West Ham's official website.

Important qualifier

"It is important to get off to a good start. We really want to put three points on the board, it is very important for us.

"I have only played one Carling Cup match since the season started and was on the bench for the Premier League matches.

"It is a good opportunity to get a full 90 minutes to help me for what I need to do with West Ham."

Jacobsen joined Blackburn on a free transfer from Everton last summer and became frustrated with their direct style.

While the full-back accepts some teams have to play to their strengths to survive in England's top flight, he feels West Ham will be better suited to his game after joining them on a free transfer.

"That was what I was used to, keeping the ball on the ground and playing out from the back," he said.

"Of course, you cannot be naïve, especially in the Premier League and there are many different styles.

"The way West Ham play is how I want to play and get the most out of my ability."

Bonus

Jacobsen played in his native Denmark and Germany before joining Everton in 2008 and then Blackburn last summer.

Despite making just 18 Premier League appearances in two years, he wanted to stay in England and is relishing the chance to play at Upton Park.

"I am delighted to have signed and looking forward to play for West Ham," he said. "It is a bonus as well to get the opportunity to live in such a great city as London.

"West Ham excited me. My first priority was to stay in England. I am happy here and so are my family. I could have gone to another country but I preferred to stay in the Premier League and West Ham have given me that opportunity. It would be nice to stay here a long time."