Carrick contract talks

West Ham today confirmed they are in ongoing talks with Michael Carrick about a new contract.

Carrick, watched by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, starred as West Ham earned an FA Cup fifth-round replay after a 0-0 draw against Fulham.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has two senior caps, admits he is unlikely to play again for the international team while a First Division player but West Ham manager Alan Pardew is desperate to keep him.

'Michael has the rest of the season plus the next on his contract,' said Pardew. 'It is something we must keep our eye on because I don't want to lose him.'

Carrick, meanwhile, admitted today: 'I think you have to be in the Premiership to get into the England squad. It was okay for David James because he was already established but to break into it you have to be playing in the Premier League against top players.

'I want to be back in the squad again but now is not the time to think about it.'