Frank Lampard believes West Ham's patience is behind their excellent start to the season which culminated in earning a place in the first round of the UEFA Cup this week.

The Hammers produced a magnificent performance in Metz on Tuesday to overturn a one-goal deficit to win 3-2 on aggregate and claim the InterToto Cup after winning through three qualifying rounds.

And following on from their 2-1 victory over Leicester last weekend which gave West Ham seven points from their first three games, it is understandable that the club are looking forward to another excellent season.

Lampard is in fine form at the moment with four goals from midfield already and a man City will have to watch closely tomorrow.

He said: "Patience is the key word at West Ham at the moment and luckily all of our players seem to have it in abundance.

"Leaving it as late as we did against Aston Villa to grab a draw showed that we fight to the finish and then last Saturday we suffered a shaky start to our game at Leicester

"I can't explain why we started poorly against Leicester but that to me isn't the issue - coming back in style and taking all three points is what everyone should focus on.

"Their midfield was very sharp and tended to control the early stages of the game but the way to counter that is through hard work and belief in our ability. Eventually it paid off even if Paolo Wanchope's equalising goal was slightly fortunate.

"I would like to say it was a defence-splitting pass that set him up but I have to admit I scuffed my shot.

"We would love to continue our unbeaten run but it would be stupid to write off Bradford as an easy win. They are Premier League on merit and are sure to make the game very though.

"It was brilliant to see Bradford win promotion because of all the nonsense about them being an 'unfashionable' club and I'm certain they will upset sides this season - just as long as we're not one of them."

West Ham have injury problems in defence ahead of tomorrow's clash at Valley Parade with Ian Pearce a long term casualty with knee ligament damage.

Neil Ruddock, Scot Minto and Australian centre-half are also out although manager Harry Redknapp is boosted by the return of Ian Wright after suspension and Paul Kitson who has recovered from injury but has not yet played a competitive game.

Physio John Green said: "Scott has Achilles tendonitis in both heels and won't be ready for the Bradford game and Neil's hamstring is coming along slowly.

"Ruddock has started slow running and with any luck both players should be in the reckoning for Watford on September 11."

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