Zola has put a new quick-passing, attacking style into operation since taking over from Alan Curbishley in September, since when the Hammers have dropped from fifth in the table to 14th with just two points from their last seven games.

But Green's optimism comes after a first clean sheet in 27 games against Portsmouth last Saturday and he insisted: "You've got to be confident that we will avoid a relegation battle now we've got something to build on.

"If anybody thought it was going to work overnight then they were mistaken. It was always going to be difficult but the one-touch stuff and the confidence the players have to move the ball around is getting better and better.

"My right leg is appreciating this style of play a bit more. I don't have to kick the ball so long every game, or so many times.

"It is something we are working on and I'm sure the manager, his beliefs and his background are things we'd like to learn from."