Relegation battle is giving Stead a buzz

Stead's goal threat is suddenly United's best chance of climbing out of the bottom three in the first of three home matches against fellow strugglers.

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But Stead already pictures himself on a beach with his Premiership passport safely tucked away after manager Neil Warnock brought in a motivator.

Stead, relegated with Sunderland last season, said: "You picture doing what you want to do and it helps you stay upbeat. I've been through a few torrid times so it's good to picture the good times. I visualised going on holiday, with a big smile on my face, thinking yes, we're playing in the Premier League next season. I'm on the plane first, then on the beach — then in the bar!

"The guy who came in gave us an insight into how other athletes train and prepare.

"You've got to keep your foot on the pedal, make sure you do the little things right to come up with the goods.

"I'll have an adrenaline buzz for this game — I enjoy the pressure and the other lads are loving it too."

Warnock, who lost top scorer Rob Hulse to a broken leg, believes his side can escape but worries that fate's twists and turns are giving United's rivals the rub of the green.

West Ham benefited from a goal that wasn't in a vital win at Blackburn and Warnock said: "If they stay up by a point I'd be very bitter and others would be as well.

"They say it evens itself out over a season, but I'm not so sure after recent weeks.

"Wigan have had a few bad decisions as well — I see Paul Jewell said he was starting to sound like me.

"It's a must-win game for West Ham and they will be as confident as you would expect with all the decisions they've had recently.

"I bet they think if they're losing, someone will throw one in."