Hammers pair in fitness race

West Ham duo Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Etherington face fitness tests ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter final at Manchester City.

Defender Ferdinand suffered a reaction to a thigh problem during yesterday’s 4-2 home defeat by Portsmouth, a game Etherington was forced to miss because of a back injury.

Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, who was also absent for the Pompey clash, is regarded as a major doubt because of a hamstring problem.

Provisional squad: Walker, Bywater, Hislop, Scaloni, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Benayoun, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Ashton, Harewood, Sheringham, Zamora, Katan, Clarke, Collins, Dailly, Clarke, Fletcher, Newton.