WEST HAM boss Avram Grant is counting on his players to bounce back - again.

The Hammers were thumped 3-0 at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and are once more staring relegation in the face.

But Grant reckons his players have always performed well in adversity.

After Saturday's demoralising defeat at the Reebok Stadium, Grant insisted: "Up to now, every bad situation we have been in has made us stronger and we have recovered. I hope it will be the same in the next game.

"We have six games to go. The situation is not good, but it (survival) is possible. We are not far from safety, and we need to look to the next game to get a win.

"I think we can stay in the league, but it will not be easy."

There are likely to be more twists and turns before the season is out, but the manner of the defeat at Bolton will have not filled West Ham supporters with much confidence.

The Hammers rolled over far too easily in the first half and found themselves 2-0 down. Though they played far better in the second, an early goal from chief tormentor Daniel Sturridge, his second of the match, put paid to any hopes of a comeback.

It means Grant's side remain in the drop zone, their recent mini-revival rocked by two defeats on the bounce.

This Saturday's home game against Aston Villa, who eased their relegation fears with victory on Sunday, is now a massive match for the Hammers.

With away trips to high-flying Chelsea and Manchester City among the six games to go, it is vital West Ham win their home games.