Ghana fullback John Pantsil was happy with a rare West Ham appearance in this week's Carling Cup victory against Coventry.

"I think it was a good start for me," Pantsil told whufc.com. "It was a tough game but we were able to get through to the quarter-finals. I'm so happy for the performance the players put in at the end and I'm looking to do well for the team as well as the fans.

"We are happy that we were able to cope with a team from the Championship who were out to prove that they are better than a Premier League team," he added. "So we had to prove that we deserve to be in the league above them."

Pantsil was unfazed by playing in right midfield as a replacement for Mark Noble, saying he was just pleased to be involved and get the chance to do his best. "It was OK," he added. "I was told by the manager where to play and as a professional player I have to be ready for anything.

"If we had lost it would have been a long journey home for us on the coach. No one would be laughing. Now we are happy that we have qualified for the quarter-finals and that will give us more strength for the next game. We will do well for the fans and the club as well.

"We have to keep our heads together, keep on doing the good work and if we continue like this things will be OK. This season is going to be a great season for West Ham United."