PREMIER LEAGUE: SCOTT PARKER has warned his former side Newcastle they face a revitalised West Ham outfit tonight (Wednesday) at St James’ Park.

The former Newcastle skipper, who left the Magpies in 2007, admits the Hammers were in disarray when the two sides met in October, when goals from Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan sealed a win for the Geordies at Upton Park.

But since then West Ham have secured a place in the last four of the Carling Cup and enjoyed an outstanding festive period which has seen them climb off the foot of the Premier League table.

Parker said: “Newcastle is somewhere we can go and win.

“We are confident and it is a winnable game.

“If we can go and be solid like we have in the last two away games we can pick up some points there.

"Everyone has pulled together. We have all dug in even though it has been difficult at times. We have picked up some results and we are looking upwards now.

“The young lads have come in and give us something different – a bit of enthusiasm and a spark.

“Freddie Sears has done very well and James Tomkins has been different class since he has come in.”

Fresh from the 2-0 win over Wolves, the Hammers are aiming to end a Tyneside hoodoo which stretches back to 1999 when they last won at St James’ Park.

The Hammers have no new injury or suspension worries ahead the game, but Manuel da Costa and Tomas Hitzlsperger are still in the treatment room.

Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas are likely to keep their places in the side with Avram Grant unlikely to change the team which has picked up two wins and two draws from their four games over the festive period.

Sears scored his first goal since March 2008 as Hammers beat Wolves to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this season on Saturday.

Bradford boss Peter Taylor turned down the chance to become Alan Pardew’s assistant at Newcastle yesterday, but the Magpies come into the game buoyed by Sunday’s 1-0 win at Wigan.

Shola Ameobi is again likely to lead the line with Andy Carroll still sidelined with a thigh injury.

Ameobi could once again be partnered by Peter Lovenkrands, although Leon Best and Nile Ranger are pushing for starts.

Sol Campbell will sit out again as he recovers from illness, while Dan Gosling is approaching full fitness after his long-term knee injury.

Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg fracture) and Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) remain on the sidelines.

West Ham possible starting XI: Green; Ben Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon; Sears, Parker, Kovac, Stanislas; Cole, Piquionne.

Newcastle possible starting XI: Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.