Zola hails mental strength

Gianfranco Zola is optimistic regarding West Ham's chances of securing a top-seven finish this season. That would be enough to take the club into Europe, providing Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal win the FA Cup.A Europa League place would represent some achievement for a side who have been forced to deal with distracting episodes both on and off the field this term.Alan Curbishley's resignation, the credit crunch, the Carlos Tevez affair, and a mounting injury list have blighted their season at one stage or another.However, the problems have eased of late and the Hammers can now focus their full attention on securing as high a finish as possible in the Premier League.Strong"We are optimistic, as long as we can get all the players back from injury," said Zola."We have had so many problems, so in the next few weeks we are looking forward to having a few players back. When we have them available again, then we have a good chance. I think that the team is looking well."The team has shown that they are strong team and also they are mentally strong. "We lost a few games, Manchester United, Bolton and a cup game against Middlesbrough, and then we had a very important game against Manchester City. "On that occasion the players performed very well and it was a good indication to me as to how strong they are mentally."

Source: SKY_Sports