THE international break has not come at a good time for West Ham.

The last thing Avram Grant will have wanted now is a two week gap in the fixture schedule, with his side in such fine league form.

But that is exactly what he has got ahead of the visit of Manchester United on April 2.

The Hammers eked out a goalless draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday and, coupled with recent home wins over Stoke City and Liverpool, have taken seven points from a possible nine to stand outside of the bottom three.

West Ham skipper Matthew Upson admitted the team would prefer to jump straight back in the saddle next week, but he remains confident the strong recent run can continue.

“At the moment we are on a good run and I think whatever game gets thrown at us, we’ll go out there and give it a good performance,” he said.

“That’s the key, I think we need to stop worrying about results, though obviously that is the most important thing, but the performance will dictate the result.

“If we keep focusing on supporting each other and working hard for each other, keep the spirit high, I think the results will take care of themselves.”

Upson was at the heart of a rock-solid back four at the Lane last weekend, standing firm in the face of several barrages from the hosts.

Wayne Bridge scooped the man of the match award for successfully shackling Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale, while keeper Robert Green was in outstanding form.

Upson added: “I think the team set out well from the start and though we had a lot of pressure to deal with, we coped well and a couple of good individual performances saw us over the line.”

Having witnessed the team’s recent revival since joining the club in January, midfielder Gary O’Neil believes a mid-table finish is not beyond the Hammers.

“You start looking up and the teams in 11th and 12th don’t look too far away. So it is important that no matter how tough the games are, we try and get something out of them.”