James is ready to star on his big night

David James frankly admits he was surprised when, following his £3.5 million move to West Ham during the summer, Aston Villa signed Peter Schmeichel.

The veteran Dane has since been influential during Villa's promising start to the season, but looks likely to miss tonight's match at Upton Park with a hamstring problem.

Schmeichel's replacement will be Finnish goalkeeper Peter Enckelman and James said today: "Peter is a class goalkeeper. When I left, I was surprised they signed Schmeichel.

"I'm not saying he hasn't done well, but I expected Enckelman to step up and take the reins. He's a great prospect."

James has played two matches since his return from a serious knee ligament injury and West Ham have lost both. Tonight he faces his former club and is looking for better things.

"I'm disappointed we haven't been able to keep a clean sheet in the two games," said Welwyn-born James.

"We played well at Sunderland and definitely deserved something there and it's encouraging to see some of the injured players back because we're not blessed with the strongest squad, in terms of depth.

"But I feel good. There are players coming back from injury now and we definitely have plenty of quality when everyone is fit."

James was Glenn Roeder's first signing after taking over from Harry Redknapp during the summer and the West Ham manager said: "It's a big night for David and a big night for the club, as we need the points."

Paolo Di Canio is expected to return to West Ham's line-up tonight after missing two matches with a leg injury. Veteran full-back Nigel Winterburn is also likely to be recalled but French striker Frederic Kanoute is still out with a hamstring strain.

For Villa, Ozalan Alpay, Mustapha Hadji and Hassan Kachloul are all ruled out and Lee Hendrie and Darius Vassell are both doubtful.

West Ham v A Villa
7.45pm, tonight, Upton Park