'We are on the floor,' says shattered Matthew Upson

Beaten: Matthew Upson challenges Cameron Jerome during West Ham's defeat
11 April 2012

Bitterly disappointed West Ham captain Matthew Upson has admitted that he and his shell-shocked team-mates are reeling after their Carling Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Birmingham City last night.

Upson also conceded that West Ham, who were beaten 3-1 after extra-time in the second leg and 4-3 on aggregate, now face a severe examination of their character as they try and recover for what will be an even tougher challenge, namely Premier League survival.

"Everyone is on the floor right now because we've paid a massive price but we have to pick ourselves up and go again," he said. "It's a crucial time of the season and we're going to be tested, as characters and as a group, to see how we react."

The Hammers looked to be cruising to a meeting with Arsenal in the final when Carlton Cole gave them a half-time lead. But goals from Lee Bowyer and Roger Johnson after the break and Craig Gardner in extra-time sent the visitors packing.

"Trying to pick the bones out of that defeat in the dressing room afterwards, was a painful experience," added Upson. "It was bitterly disappointing and a real low point for us.

"We're really disappointed to have been in the position we were and not made it through to Wembley. There seems to be a pattern with us of starting the second half of games poorly. We play well in the first half, for example Everton away and home to Birmingham but then we seem to come out for the second half with a completely different mindset and attitude.

"It has cost us points and now it's cost us a place in a Wembley final."

West Ham have already signed two players - Wayne Bridge and Gary O'Neil during the transfer window and expect to seal a third deal, for striker Demba Ba, on loan within the next 24 hours.

Another priority, though, following last night's cup defeat, is an inspirational figure to organise things when the team are under pressure, as they were in the second half at St Andrew's.

"I think we lack a leader out there," said a club source. "And a holding midfield player who would allow Scott Parker to make those bursting forward runs."

Ba's move from Hoffenheim, meanwhile, is expected to go through by tomorrow. Negotiations stalled when there was a problem with insurance after the
25-year-old failed a medical because of a knee problem.

Ba will now join West Ham on loan after a deal based on appearances was agreed.

West Ham have also reacted strongly to Sunderland's increased bid of £4million for Frederic Piquionne. "He will be staying," confirmed a club insider.

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