Source: SKY_Sports
Green has Zola backing
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has backed Robert Green to bounce back from his England nightmare last week.
The 29-year-old became the first ever goalkeeper to be sent off in an England shirt as Fabio Capello's side lost their perfect record in their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
Despite missing the resulting penalty from the incident, Ukraine took full advantage of the extra man and ran out 1-0 winners in the end, prompting many to question Green's credentials as first choice England keeper.
Green is back in club action this Saturday as West Ham face a crucial trip to Stoke and Zola insists his keeper has not been affected by the publicity.
"He just came out to repair a mistake made (by Rio Ferdinand) in front him - he has been unlucky," Zola said.
"Why should his (World Cup) position be compromised because of that?
"He has been brilliant this week. It's been very difficult for me to beat him from the edge of the box in training.
"He is determined to come back and do well for us tomorrow. It is important for us that he's playing well."
The Hammers have just five points on the board as they travel to the Britannia and, with two away defeats already to their name this season, Zola will be hoping to end their miserable form against the Potters.
"I have a lot of respect for them and their manager," he added.
"They are a tough team. We know what is coming tomorrow and we need to take out our 'A' game if we want to do something.
"We are going to take some measures. Last year we did very well against them and we hope to do it this year too."
