Gianfranco Zola speaks ahead of game against West Brom

Gianfranco Zola believes his West Ham side have the mental strength to deliver European football. Zola took over from Alan Curbishley earlier this season with survival his first priority, but a fine run of the form since the turn of the year has made next season's Europa League, currently known as the Uefa Cup, a real possibility. The Chelsea legend, who won the Uefa Cup during his own distinguished playing career, has made no secret of his desire to take the Hammers into Europe, but he admits there was a time when such a prospect seemed unlikely. "We had our worst run this season in October, I think, we lost several games. I remember a time when we went to play Sunderland away and we were two points from the bottom," said Zola, whose side host bottom club West Brom. "Now we are playing very well and that is down to the mental strength we showed in those times." He added: "It might be possible that seventh spot is enough for Europe this season and that would be a great thing for this club."

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ITN | March 16, 2009

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