Robert Green believes the lack of English goalkeepers at the leading Barclays Premier League clubs is down to more accent being put on buying top class strikers and not a lack of ability.

Edwin Van der Sar, Petr Cech, Pepe Reina, Manuel Almunia, Tim Howard and Brad Friedel were the numbers ones at the top six clubs for the 2008-2009 campaign.

Green, set to make his first England start in Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Kazhakstan, was the exception to the rule in being a regular at West Ham, who just missed out on a Europa League spot.

But the former Norwich player is adamant the cost of goalkeepers in this country and the preference to instead bring in proven goalscorers is the reason rather than a drop in standards.

Green said: "People point out there are no English keepers in the top six clubs but that is the Premier League now and I think there are a number of factors involved in that.

"You look at the keepers who moved to the top-six clubs. Van der Sar cost a couple of million pounds, Almunia cost nothing. Then you look at English goalkeepers and the cost of them.

"Chris Kirkland moved to Liverpool for £6 million and Scott Carson has moved for big money before.

That is the element within clubs now - and the emphasis is to put the money on forwards.

"If you are a manager with a budget and you can pick up an experienced keeper on the continent for a little amount, then you are going to do it because you need your budget to go towards your forward who cn score goals.

"That is where you as a manager earn money and keep your job. That is the real over-riding factor. I don't think it is a statement on English goalkeepers' ability."

Green is full of praise for the influence Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has had on him since taking charge last season.

He said: "Zola has been a tremendous attribute to me personally, to the team and the club and it didn't take him too long for him to be offered a longer term contract or improved contract.

"On a personal level, within the side it's helped that we are playing out from the defence a lot more. I feel my right leg isn't hurting so much at the end of the season because I haven't taken so many goalkicks. We're passing it out a lot more.

"He's given the players the confidence to go out and do that because he has belief in the guys within the side that we can play football. That is a tremendous attribute to have for himself and the players.

"He's helped me as a player and each individual at the club. You look at someone like Carlton Cole who has come on a great deal since he's taken over."

Green is also adamant he is happy with life at West Ham despite missing out on European football for next season.

He said: "There are no problems at West Ham. I love it there and enjoy playing in front of the fans and for the manager. Realistically that's all there is.

"Playing football in the Premier League, you are up against the best players in the world. Realistically you are getting tested every week in that respect. It's enough of a challenge in the Premier League as anywhere else."