Our first priority is to get out of this division Trevor Brooking West Ham caretaker manager

Caretaker boss Trevor Brooking has revealed the Hammers will begin their search for Glenn Roeder's replacement in earnest later this week.

And ex-Manchester United and England captain Robson insists he wants the job.

"I've applied for the job.

"I spoke to Trevor Brooking last week about the job, but they're in no rush to bring someone in as Trevor is doing well there and the players have responded.

"But they're a great club with a lot of good young players and it is the kind of challenge I'm looking for."

Brooking assumed temporary charge of the Hammers following Roeder's sacking last Sunday and has steered the side to back-to-back victories over Bradford and West Ham.

Robson has coached Boro and England

"Hopefully we will start the process of appointing a new manager next week. There have been no interviews yet," said Brooking.

"Our first priority is to get out of this division. It will be tough to bounce back but we still have a little bit of quality."

Robson is keen to be given the opportunity to lead that charge and added: "Certain clubs have approached me but the challenge has not been there.

"But West Ham are a massive club and the challenge is there. They have a lot of exciting young players."

Upton Park contenders

Brooking was full of praise for goalkeeper David James after several fine saves made sure West Ham left Ipswich with all three points.

"He is the England goalkeeper and we hoped he'd be a big player for us in this division," he added.

"A few Premiership clubs were said to be interested but no-one came knocking on our door.

"James has stayed, done his job and there are no better goalkeepers when he is on top of his game."