Allardyce: He's got the mark of a champion

Allardyce, who is looking for his team to overtake Southampton at the top of the Championship tonight with a win at St Mary's, said: "If you get a world-class sportsman who wants to come and talk to you it's an opportunity you can't afford to turn down.

"As a West Ham fan, Mark was thrilled to come down and talk to our players on the day before the Blackpool game and it showed the players what an outstanding individual he is, not just in terms of his time but his dedication and the way he dealt with, particularly, the setbacks in his quest to reach his targets.

"He gave us an indication of not just the commitment but the pain he had to suffer to get to the top in rowing.

"Most people would probably have given up before he won his biggest race but he drove himself to the end to realise his dream. Unfortunately, sportsmen like Mark don't get the accolades they deserve because rowing is not a high-profile sport but what was impressive was the satisfaction that oozed out of him because he had made those dreams a reality.

"The lads enjoyed it because, although we might believe we are dedicated in what we do, we can always do that little bit more and he demonstrated that dedication."

West Ham midfielder Jack Collison, meanwhile, believes his recent omission from the team has helped him regain some sharpness. He scored his first goal for 22 months in the 4-0 win over Blackpool and said today: "I can't knock the manager for not playing me because I was disappointed in my own form.

"Tonight is a massive game and all the boys are really looking forward to it. Our away form is superb, so we're not going there with any fear."

James Tomkins (groin) and Matt Taylor (calf) are major doubts but Joey O'Brien, Carlton Cole and Henri Lansbury return to the squad.