WEST HAM goalkeeper Robert Green has called on the club’s senior players to stand up and be counted this season if the team are to meet their manager’s expectations of a Europa League place.

Gianfranco Zola has boldly set his sights on a top six finish after an impressive first campaign in charge.

But Green is aware of the advances made by the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham over the summer, and he knows that they will pose a significant threat to the Hammers’ chances of breaking into Europe.

Attacking midfielder Luis Jiminez, striker Alessandro Diamanti and Manuel Da Costa, a defender, have been drafted in from Italy, along with youngsters Fabio Daprela and Franck Nouble.

However, forwards David Di Michele and Diego Tristan have been released, while Savio Nsereko was used as a makeweight in the deal that brought Da Costa to Upton Park from Fiorentina.

As a result a lot of pressure will be placed on the young shoulders of midfielders Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison and Mark Noble, with Carlton Cole burdened with the role of primary goal-getter in attack.

Green was more conservative than his manager in his predictions for the season, although he accepts the club’s seasoned professionals will have a vital role to play.

“Yes, we’ve got a smaller squad and other teams have improved. I think it is going to be a lot closer at the top with other teams up there contending all season,” said the England international.

“For us, when you are looking at the senior pros, we have got maybe 14 or 15 players.

“When you look at the side we’ve got then it is a good side, but then you look at the level and the size of that squad, and it is one that is going to have to battle through the season, because the guys who did the work last season are going to be the same ones doing it this season.”