West Ham's shock 4-0 demolition of Manchester United has dramatically changed Tal Ben Haim's prospects of staying with the club.
December 6, 2010 14:48Carling Cup West Ham's shock 4-0 demolition of Manchester United has dramatically changed Tal Ben Haim's prospects of staying with the club.
Ben Haim, 28, joined West Ham on a five-month loan from Portsmouth on August 3 and sources in Israel had reported that Hammers boss Avram Grant planned sending his compatriot back to Fratton Park next month.
Before Tuesday night's shock victory over the cup holders, Ben Haim had made only four appearances for the West Ham - two in the Premier League and two in the Carling Cup - and with weekly wages of over £40,000, the Israeli defender was looking surplus to requirements at cash-strapped club. But the victory over United has changed the picture completely.
Having overcome a pre-match fitness test, Ben Haim looked solid and composed against United. Now it is believed that his deal could be extended as West Ham face some important games including a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final as well as two matches in the FA Cup, assuming they overcome Barnsley at Upton Park on January in the third round.
With the team battling against relegation in the Premiership, West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold cannot afford to trim down their squad while the extra revenue from the Cup run will more than cover Ben Haim's wages.
Having played in three out of four of West Ham's Carling Cup victories, Ben Haim who publicly fell out with Grant at Chelsea, yet has still played under him at Portsmouth and West Ham, will also be pressing for more opportunities in the league.
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