Grant praises hat-trick hero

Hat-trick hero Victor Obinna drew praise from West Ham boss Avram Grant after he fired his side into the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring against Championship outfit Nottingham Forest before Forest scored twice to take the lead in the 40th minute 2-1.

Not to be denied, Obinna struck back before half-time, In the second half he converted a penalty to seal his hat-trick.

Grant said he was thrilled his striker made the most of his opportunities with the London club.

“He is a good talent. He has not played so many games in the last few years and he is developing,” he said.

“He will get better and better. He scored three goals but we need him to be efficient in the league games.”

Grant said while his side have a cosy fifth-round date with Burnley at Upton Park, he remained focussed on his main objective of the campaign.

“It’s always good to play at home, they know how to support us and push us. I hope to be in the quarter-finals and then it will be interesting,” he said.

“But our target is the league, that is the most important thing, but winning in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup is also a good feeling.”

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies was proud of his side’s commitment to the cause, as they trailed, then led, before going down to West Ham.

“We played some great football, lost a terrible goal early on not clearing the box quick enough and then we deservedly got on top and then from where I was sitting the second was a little bit fortunate but I’d like to see it again,” Davies said.

“And if it was, that’s the break you need, but the first 45 minutes we played fantastic football, had great possession blowing chances galore.”

“(In the) second half you say to the players, ‘start the first 15 minutes well’, but gave away another early goal but (I) have to say I am very proud of the players, in the end a great experience.”