West Ham United's Kevin Nolan (left) with Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici

The Hammers inspirational captain Kevin Nolan is looking for the Hammers to match their efforts in the first half of the season by doing the same in the second

West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan believes the team can still secure a place in the top 10 of the Premier League this season.

Nolan was forced to miss the New Year’s Day 2-1 victory over Norwich City through suspension, but he watched as his team moved on to 26 points for the campaign.

It was the Hammers first victory since the 3-1 win over Chelsea, but despite their recent dip in form, the captain is still in confident mood.

“In the Premier League, unless you are in the top 10 with two games to go, you have to keep looking at the teams behind you, it is just the way it is,” said the 30-year-old.

“If you include Everton now with the top four, all the rest of the teams could be dragged into trouble. We reached 23 points at halfway and 26 after Norwich and I think it has been a decent start – we would have taken that.

“That is how we have to look at it, but we have to get another 23 points from the second half of the season which will be tough, but we are capable of it.”

The transfer window has just reopened, with West Ham looking to strengthen in two or three positions.

They are set to sign Waterford’s Ireland under-19 striker Sean Maguire after a successful trial at the club, but he is considered as one for the future.

They have also been linked with Arsenal front man Marouane Chamakh, while manager Sam Allardyce has expressed a need to sign a right back and a left back to bolster the squad.

So does Nolan think it is essential that more players come in?

“The chairmen did some fantastic business in the last window and supported Sam fantastically,” he insisted.

“Hopefully they will do that again. There is nothing that gives you more of a boost than seeing new faces on the training ground, but if not, we have got the resources to work with here and we are looking to make that top 10.”

They may have to do it without midfield dynamo Mo Diame after his agent alerted clubs to the fact that he has a release clause of around £3.5 million in his contract.

QPR are the first to declare an interest in the player, though why he would want to go to a club fighting relegation is a mystery.

Modibo Maiga may be another set to go through the exit door, with Newcastle United apparently showing an interest.

One already gone is Yossi Benayoun who has ended his season-long loan from Chelsea early and returned to Stamford Bridge because of injury.