Macca reveals Allardyce motivational methods and expects 'tough' game on Saturday

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground, and says that the players are raring to go in the penultimate home game of the season.

"I think we've had a fantastic season so far- we'd have snapped both your hands off [to be in the league position the team are currently in] and to be in a position where you're almost safe is great."

"Andy Carroll is really looking forward to the game. He and Kevin Nolan have some fantastic memories from their time at Newcastle and they're really looking forward to the game."

McDonald remained cagey on Carroll's England future, however, refusing to directly answer a question regarding reports this morning that the striker will be under keen observation from England manager Roy Hodgson's coaching staff on Saturday.

"I think they should [keep a close eye on Carroll.] He's in good goalscoring form and and his contribution to our play and interlink play has been really good and I think that's reflected in our results."

The assistant manager, however, could confirm that the Irons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's game, stating that "we've almost got a fully fit squad to choose from, there's nothing new, so there's good competition for places."

The main revelation of the press conference related to manager Sam Allardyce methods of motivating the players. McDonald revealed that Allardyce has used the 'carrot' incentive method in recent weeks.

"He's done that once this season [telling the players that if they win on Saturday, they don't have to train until Thursday] and we had a fantastic response, physically their [the players'] levels, their workrate and intensity, go up, so it does work. As long as they're not abusing their bodies, to have a little break means they come back fresh."

On Winston Reid's new contract, McDonald waxed lyrical about the defender.

"It's a brilliant boost. He's been our most consistent defender this season and he thoroughly deserves his new contract. From when we came here two years ago, there has been a vast improvement in all aspects of his game. Maybe he could get a few more goals from set pieces, but on the whole he's been tremendous."

The assistant manager's verdict on Saturday's opponents was that despite their poor season, Saturday will be no cakewalk for the Irons.

"They're on the verge of getting involved in the relegation battle but I think they'll come here, try and keep a clean sheet and snatch a goal on the counter attack. Personally I think they've got enough points [to stay up]; they're going through a little sticky patch at the moment and I'm sure they'll come through it, just after Saturday!"

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling