MATTHEW Upson concedes it will take a ‘monumental effort’ to save West Ham from relegation this season.

The Hammers captain acknowledged that the club are in grave danger of dropping in to the Championship, insisting it is the ‘worst position’ they have been in with 14 games to play since he has been at Upton Park.

Upson remains confident they can escape, however, citing the team’s performance in the 2-2 draw with Everton at the weekend as an example of what the players can produce.

“I think we are in the worst position at this stage of the season that I have experienced,” said the 31-year-old.

“It would be a huge achievement for us to maintain safety this year.

“It is not unachievable and I think we all still believe that we can do it. But it is going to be a monumental effort and we are ready for the fight.

“I think you only have to watch us play (against Everton). We had a lot of hunger, a lot of desire to want to win the ball and get hold of the ball. If we maintain that level of attitude and performance, I think we can accumulate the points to stay up.”

West Ham had looked like heading for their second away win of the season when Frederic Piquionne nodded home Wayne Bridge’s cross in the 85th minute to put his side 2-1 up.

His celebrations were cut short, however, when he was shown a second yellow card for enjoying the goal with the travelling fans.

It was to prove a costly error, as Marouane Fellaini then struck in stoppage time, taking the ball down on his chest before swivelling and rifling a low drive past Robert Green.

After an impressive first-half display, in which Jonathan Spector thumped the visitors ahead when converting from Luis Boa Morte’s pull-back, and a resilient performance after the break, it will feel like two points dropped rather than one gained for manager Avram Grant.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov connected sweetly with a terrific volley from the edge of the box to draw the scores level with 13 minutes to play before the late drama.

“I thought we played some good counter-attacking football, which was the way we set out to play,” Upson said after the game.

“Everton are high energy so we knew they were going to try and put a hold on us, but I thought we dealt with it well and when we got the opportunity we passed it. When we did pass it, I think we looked dangerous.”

Attentions turn back to cup action this weekend, with Nottingham Forest coming to town for a fourth-round FA Cup tie.