Roeder marvels at Di Canio

Di Canio should sharpen West Ham's attack

West Ham boss Glenn Roeder would like more of his players to follow the example set by striker Paolo di Canio.

Roeder has been impressed by the quality and attitude Di Canio has shown after returning to training following a lengthy absence.

The 34-year-old Italian has played just 65 minutes of football in the last four months following a knee injury.

"There is no problem trying to get Paolo up to speed in football terms," said Roeder.

"But what we have got to assess is his physical fitness that you get by playing.

"Paolo has trained well this week. It is what you expect from him.

"Although he has had little football in the last four months his touch and awareness is still exactly the same as when he left us.

Sometimes you wish that bit of him would rub off on other players

Glenn Roeder

"He is not someone who needs a couple of weeks' intense football work to get his touch back - that is a god-given talent.

"He can be away from football for a number of months and the first time he steps back on the training pitch and receives the ball he kills it instantly. You wouldn't think he has been away."

Roeder added: "Very rarely do you come away from the training ground thinking Paolo hasn't trained well.

"Sometimes you wish that bit of him would rub off on other players.

Hutchison sets target

"He always trains in the correct manner, the way you want your players to train, and he always prepares himself for matches in the way you want your players to.

"The younger players wouldn't go far wrong if they copied him.

"Everyone is very aware of the ability he brings to this football club and it is the longest he has stayed anywhere.

"There is no player here who doesn't value having him at the club with the ability he has got.

"He is at an age now where you love football even more than when you were a youngster because you know it is not going to go on forever.

"You value your time at the training ground and on the pitch even more.

"You have that attitude because you don't know when the last one is coming."

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