JOHN Pantsil believes that the "fantastic" West Ham fans can help inspire the club to move up the Premier League table.

The Irons are currently in tenth place, although a decent run of form in the remaining eight games could see them finish much higher.

And Pantsil (pictured) reckons that the backing of the club's supporters can help make all the difference.

He said: "The fans are going to keep on cheering us on and I think we can do better than tenth place before the end of the season. They have been fantastic."

Pantsil has become as big a hit with his team mates as he has the fans for his whole-hearted displays on the pitch and his charasmatic perona off it.

He himself revealed that he goes out of his way to be a popular person.

"Here at West Ham we are like a family so I do everything from my heart and I give everything," he said.

"When I see something which is funny I try to make fun with the people.

"Also, my team mates accept that and they like the way I am. They have said I am a good person."

The 26-year-old's substitute appearance against Blackburn on Saturday was his first for the club since playing 90 minutes against Manchester City on January 5.

He has since been away on international duty with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, helping his country to finish third.

Although he has yet to force his way back into the Hammers starting eleven, Pantsil has vowed to keep plugging away until his next chance arrives.

"If you look at the West Ham team, everyone is very good and the manager is doing fantastically well," he said.

"Everyone has to wait for his chance to come along. I am still on the line, waiting for the chance to come."

Pantsil also expressed his delight for youngster Freddie Sears.

The 18-year-old leapt off the bench to score the winning goal in his first-ever appearance against Rovers at Upton Park on Saturday and Pantsil said: "I was so happy for Freddie.

"It was his first time on the bench and in front of the crowd.

"I know when he plays with the senior team in training he is always doing his best. He is so sharp.

"I wasn't surprised that he scored. He scores so many goals on the training ground - fantastic goals.

"I knew this guy was going to make it and I am very happy for the boy."