Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham's Robbie Keane can be the new Carlos Tevez, says Avram Grant
Robbie Keane has been hailed as West Ham's new Carlos Tevez - and thestriker insists he is the man to help the Hammers beat the drop. [LNB]The Republic of Ireland international completed a loan move from London rivals Tottenham on Sunday and could make his debut in the crucial clash against Blackpool. [LNB]Former Hammers hero Tevez's goals during the back end of the 2006/07 season were crucial to the East London club's survival in the top flight. [LNB] Happy Hammer: Robbie Keane is raring to go at West Ham[LNB][LNB]Making a point: Republic of Ireland captain Keane has bags of experience[LNB]And Grant said: 'I hope Robbie can have the same impact as Tevez - hehas the qualities to do it. I know Tevez personally and he is a great player.[LNB] 'But Robbie Keane is also a great player and scores goals wherever hegoes and he can do it for us. He knows English football and that will help.' [LNB]Much is expected of Keane, who will join the Hammers on a permanent deal if they can avoid relegation. Keane returned from his ill-fated fated six month spell at Liverpool in January 2009 to help Harrry Redknapp's side beat the drop after their horrendous start to the seasonunder Juande Ramos. [LNB]And the 31-year-old said yesterday: 'When I went back to Tottenham, Ithink I had a massive hand in keeping the club up because they were in asimilar position to what West Ham are at the moment. [LNB]'I think I had a key role in keeping Spurs up that season and look at them now.' [LNB]He added: 'I'm not looking for hero status, I'm here to play football. If I can help keep West Ham up then I've done my job.[LNB] 'You can only prove yourself, when you are given opportunities. I've scored over 100 Premier League goals so I don't feel like I have toprove anything to anybody.' [LNB]Defender Manuel Da Costa is set to make his return from an ankle injury in the reserve clash against West Bromwich. [LNB]Midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who has missed the entire season through injury, has been pencilled in to make his comeback from a thigh problem in the Hammers second string's clash against the Baggies next Wednesday. [LNB] Robbie's Keane to hoist Hammers up the table as ahead of loan spellBlackpool v WEST HAM: Keane, Ba and O'Neil in contention for HammersDavid Sullivan: It's like being eaten alive in the transfer window bearpitDon't worry, West Ham fans! Avram insists his January rebuilding will see Hammers climbing the table[LNB] Explore more:People: Carlos Tevez, Robbie Keane, Thomas Hitzlsperger Places: Liverpool, London, Republic of Ireland
