WEST Ham defender George McCartney has insisted that the Irons will re-group and ensure they finish the season inside the Premier League's top-ten.

The Hammers have been 10th since November 25 last year, but a recent run of just two wins in their last 10 matches has put their top-half position in jeopardy.

West Ham are just four points above Tottenham and six ahead of a resurgent Newcastle United, but McCartney insists the East Enders will get it right in time to head off the pair's challenges.

"It has just been a disappointing few weeks," admitted the 26-year-old, who has appeared in West Ham's last 48 league and cup matches.

"We just have to try and look to Bolton now and pick ourselves up. They will be up for it and we need to be as well.

"The manager is not going to let us slip away.

"We have been in the top half of the table for most of the season.

"We have got five games left and it is up to the players to secure at least tenth place. It all starts against Bolton."

McCartney is also determined to shrug off the minor hamstring problem he has been suffering from in recent weeks and finish the season as the Irons only ever-present.

"I have had it for a few weeks now but it's not holding me back from playing," added the Northern Ireland international full-back.

"It was a bit worse than what it usually is against Sunderland last week, that's why I had to come off - but it held up better against Portsmouth and hopefully I can see out the season without serious problems.

"I want to play every week.

McCartney, linked with an audacious summer move to AC Milan at the weekend, is now fully focused on ending the season on a high.

"I am really happy with how things are going for me personally but it is disappointing that the results haven't been as good as they were earlier in the season," he said.

"It is up to the players, the coaches and the manager to prepare for Bolton on Saturday and make sure we give our fans a good end to the season."