Tevez could be Hammers’ relegation battle saviour, says Curbishley

CARLOS TEVEZ can go one better than Paolo di Canio by becoming the West Ham hero who saves the club from relegation.

Di Canio is an Upton Park legend despite failing to save the Hammers in 2003, while Tevez’s goals and graft have at least given them a chance of survival this season after looking certainties for the drop a month ago.

With West Ham five points from safety with seven games to play, Tevez’s future at Upton Park beyond this season is uncertain but the Argentina forward has taken up the challenge of keeping the club in the top flight.

“When di Canio was with me at Charlton and he found out that the top seven was the highest position the club has ever been, he was determined in how he was going to leave Charlton,” said Curbishley.

“If Carlos is determined that he’s going to leave us in the Premiership then it’ll be great.”

Tevez made Bobby Zamora’s opener against Middlesbrough and scored the other in the most straightforward win of West Ham’s eventful season.

In the mould of Di Canio, Tevez has become the entertainer of Upton Park, although his workrate has also endeared him to the fans.

“He decided five or six weeks ago that this is the way forward and the others have followed,” said the Hammers boss.

Despite facing Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in their run-in, full-back Lucas Neill is seeing confidence grow in the squad.

He said: “We’ve got a little bit of momentum and some belief. It’s important that we’re positive. The boys are believing now that they’re going into each game and can get something, which is a nice feeling.

“It’s going to be an interesting run-in. With the fans we’ve got we can use them as our 12th man.”