HARRY BACKING IN-FORM FREDDY

Kanoute has been influencial in the Hammers' climb away from the bottom of the Premier League table and has begun to show that he has the talent to become a major force in English football.

Kanoute is a frightening talent," said Redknapp. He's been fantastic, he cost us a club record fee of £3.6 million and has proved to be worth every penny.

"As his confidence grows so does his ability to do the job. I've had so many calls my phone has bust."

One of the calls made about Kanoute was from Chelsea, who face the hammers on Saturday, but he was not interested in a move across London to join Claudio Ranieri's side and wants to stay at Upton Park.

"It is much better for me to stay here than play at Chelsea," said Kanoute. "I didn't hesitate in turning them down I wanted to stay at West Ham."

"I want to achieve some of my ambitions with them, like helping the club into Europe. We are scoring more goals and winning more games, and I have finally found the form that can bring me a lot of goals. Why would I want to go to Chelsea?"

Kanoute has warned Chelsea that he is on form for their clash and he will be going out to prove that he is one of the best strikers in the Premiership.

"Coming here will be very difficult for Chelsea because our whole team is now full of confidence after beating Charlton 5-0."