‘We can stay in the league & we believe we deserve to stay in the league’ – Avram Grant defiant over West Ham’s survival hopes

EPL ; Avram Grant, West Ham United v Arsenal(getty Images)

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West Ham manager Avram Grant is adamant that his side deserve to stay in the Premier League and has reacted disparagingly to reports regarding the futures of his star players.

The Israeli manager has been surrounded by constant speculation over the likes of Scott Parker, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole but he has moved to diffuse the situation, telling reporters on Friday: “Why do I need to answer that question? If, if, if, if.

“We want to stay in the league, we believe we can stay in the league and we believe we deserve to stay in the league.

“We are playing football that deserves to stay in the league. Unfortunately, we are on our last players but we think we can go to be out of this. And we will do everything to do this because it is not easy but still possible. I don’t want to think negatively.”

Grant is also determined for talismanic midfielder Parker to start against Blackburn on Saturday.

“We are not optimistic today but we don’t know yet,” he said on Sky Sports News.

“He is five to 10 per cent today but we will see again tomorrow. If he can play, I want him to play, absolutely.

“If that is 100 per cent or 80 per cent, with Scotty you never know.”

Grant revealed that Parker’s injury situation was similar for the Hammers’ game against Liverpool earlier on in the season.

“Before the Liverpool game, there was a 10 per cent chance that he would be playing – not even 10 and he played.

“So we need to wait and see because if he is fit, I want him to play.”

Goal.com UK exclusively revealed on Friday that Grant is being lined up to take over as a director at former club Chelsea, if Guus Hiddink declines the role.