By Hughie Southon

Angelo Ogbonna has become a hero of mine down the years and never more so than over recent games this season when despite not being 100 per cent has once again done everything in his power to help overcome central defensive problems.

He looks set to be involved again on Thursday when we reopen our Euro Conference challenge despite having been replaced in the shocking defeat by Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

He has never complained about being left out of the squad and shown himself to be a West Ham man to his backbone.

And as things refuse to get any better for the club in the Premier League he has made it clear that says unity is the key as we aim to bounce back from Saturday in the first leg of their  UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 first leg at AEK Larnaca.

Commenting ahead of the game Oggy made the position clear saying: “Saturday was a bad day for everyone and disappointing, of course,.

“We stick together and we keep going – Brighton are a really good side and they played really well on Saturday. We tried to stop them, but we didn’t make it.

“I think it’s really disappointing for everyone, but we want to get back. We have another game on Thursday so we have an opportunity to bounce back.

“Every game is important to give us a really good bounce and Thursday is a good chance to do that..

He also offered a positive update on his fitness after he was withdrawn in the second period saying: “For a precaution we decided to make a change, but I think it’s okay.”