Cautious Moyes takes his time

David Moyes has admitted he needs t give very careful thought to his line-up in the FA Cup fourth round clash at Wigan but won’t necessarily be resting tired legs.”

Speaking at his pre-match presser he said: “I’d like to say it was an opportunityto rest a few tired legs, but I want to get through in the FA Cup if I can.

But I think I’ve always said our priority is the Premier League and we have to ensure we’re a Premier League club.

“There is nothing more I’d love to give the West Ham supporters a day out at Wembley in a final if I could. Ask any club and they’d all say the same thing, that they’d Iike to win a trophy, but there is also a bigger picture which has to be looked at as well, which is trying to make sure that we’re in this league next season.

“The finances to it are far greater than we’d get by winning the FA Cup. I’ve been to finals so I know what it feels like to be there, so if it can happen again, great, but again I have to reiterate the priority has to be to remain a Premier League club.”

Moyes confirmed that two of his senior players are edging towards first-team returns after recovering from calf and ankle injuries respectively.

He said:  “There are a few getting closer to coming back. Michail Antonio is doing a bit of training, Jose Fonte is doing a little bit of training, so we’re getting a few more back as go along, but every club is the same.

“We’ve all had really difficult schedules over Christmas and the New Year and the games are taking their toll. With us now having Premier League midweek fixtures in January, it is not easy, especially after FA Cup ties.

But he warned: “I don’t think Antonio, Fonte or Winston Reid will be available for the Wigan match.”