OF all the players in West Ham United's squad, Robert Green knows more than any of them about the perils of a Premier League relegation battle.

In 2005/06, Green was a member of the Norwich City side that slid into the Championship following a 6-0 last-day humbling at Fulham - a game the goalkeeper labels the worst of his career.

Exactly a season later, the 28-year-old's luck turned as Carlos Tevez's strike at Old Trafford ensured the Hammers' safety thanks to a 1-0 win over Manchester United.

This term, the bookmakers believe the Irons could be dragged into another dogfight, but the experienced Green believes his side have enough quality to beat the drop again.

And, following last weekend's goalless home draw with Portsmouth, the England stopper insisted the East Enders will go to Sunderland on Sunday in confident mood.

"You've got to be confident that we will avoid a relegation battle now we've got something to build on,” said Green, who also had words of praise for manager Gianfranco Zola's style of patient, passing football.

"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."

And Green believes the Italian's methods will stand the Hammers in good stead at the Stadium of Light.

"We are looking at building on a couple of positive things and playing away from home where the emphasis isn't on us to go on the attack so much will help us," he added.

"We can use our pace and play on the break and that may suit us a little bit more."

West Ham, who go to Wearside on a run of seven league games without a win, will have Diego Tristan and James Tomkins available for the first time this season after both recovered from injuries.

Winger Luis Boa Morte will also be back in contention after being rested for last weekend's draw with Pompey.