Source: Daily_Mail
Upson could leave if West Ham don't make Europe as he sets sight on England place
Matthew Upson's future at West Ham could hinge on whether they qualify for Europe.
The defender is determined to stay in contention for a place in Fabio Capello's England squad and is keen to play in at least the Europa League next season.
The 29-year-old is yet to commit his future beyond the end of the season and it is said that the Hammers would not stand in his way should he wish to leave for a club who qualify for continental competition, according to London's Evening Standard.
The east London club are currently occupying seventh - which will be good enough to make Europe - but face competition for the place from Fulham, Tottenham and Wigan.
They face a trip to fifth place Aston Villa on Saturday and Upson said: 'It is another big test. We go there missing quite a lot of players, so our strength in depth is being really tested.
'I think we've come through it really well and the players have come in and done a good job. We can go there and get a result.'
Upson is determined that the club bounce back from Saturday's defeat at Tottenham.
'They didn't really create a lot,' he said. 'If you look at the possession stats we probably didn't do too well but that's not what the game is about. It's about the scoreline.
'Looking at the goal-scoring opportunities, there were very few of them. I thought we had the best chance of the match but unfortunately we didn't take it. It was a huge turning point, but we have to move on.'
Boss Gianfranco Zola has agreed a new long-term contract with West Ham and will sign in the next couple of weeks, as soon as deputy Steve Clarke agrees a new deal of his own.
The Italian is looking forward to being able to select Dean Ashton next season, as the striker has been absent with an ankle problem since the Italian`s appointment.
'We hope he will get a full pre-season,' said Zola. 'We are looking forward to having him back at his best.'
