West Ham United defender Tal Ben Haim insists the team can get a positive result at Stoke City this weekend despite his absence.

The Israel international, along with manager Avram Grant, will not be a part of the travelling Hammers squad as they observe the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur but he is confident a good result is achievable.

"Of course we should be optimistic," he told WHUTV.

"I am sure that if we get one or two good results we can move forward.

"We played well and created chances against Chelsea, but we suddenly found ourselves 2-0 down. That is football - we need to look forward and take the points in the next game.

"It will take time, but in football we need to take the points very quick.

"We hope that we can do it next week."