Rapid progress leaves Noble convinced Hammers can fight off all challengers

MARK NOBLE says West Ham can beat any side in Europe this season after they secured their place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Victory in Vienna last night sealed West Ham’s place at the top of Group H and ensured they do not have to face a play-off in February against one of the sides that drop out of the Champions League.

Noble scored from the spot to double the lead over Rapid Vienna after Andriy Yarmolenko had headed home the opener.

West Ham have one last group game, at home to Dinamo Zagreb next month, but can now start looking ahead to a tantalising tie in March.

“How far can we go? Well, the further you go, the better teams you play,” said Noble. “Do I think we have proved this year that we can be any team? Yes.

“But we have to take every game as it comes. I know everyone says that but the teams are so good, especially when the teams drop out of the Champions League you play some some real big hitters.

“But do I think we can beat any team? Yes. Will it be tough? Yes. But I believe in the players we’ve got.”

Moyes rotated his side in Vienna and left striker Michail Antonio in London to rest ahead of Sunday’s trip to

Manchester City. Antonio, West Ham’s only senior striker, made a flying start to the season but has scored just once in his past eight club games.

David Moyes has called for better performances from his talisman in recent weeks and, after defeat at Wolves, said Antonio needed to be “super fit” to be at his best.

Antonio should benefit from the rest, though, there is a hope within the staff that it may also send a message that his recent form has not been good enough. There are few better places than the Etihad to offer a reply.

While Antonio has avoided injury this season, he has taken on the burden of playing for Jamaica, adding long trips during international breaks that have been a concern to Moyes.

The Hammers cannot drop out of the top four regardless of the result at

City on Sunday, but if they are to compete for the Champions League places — or any European spot — this season, Antonio needs to be at his best.

“He is really important to the team in the way we play,” Moyes said. “He gives us a figurehead and gives the opposition different problems.

“So we need him on top form. And it’s good because it’s always good to have come here and not needed him. So we were able to give him a bit of a rest and hopefully, he will benefit.”

It is almost a year since West Ham sold their only other senior striker, Sebastien Haller, to Ajax and manager Moyes is yet to find a replacement.

A striker remains high on the shopping list in January and the Hammers are weighing up a move for 22-year-old Denmark international, Jonas Wind from FC Copenhagen.