Pardew keen for Teddy to stay on

Alan Pardew wants to keep veteran striker Teddy Sheringham next season, whatever the result in Monday's Championship promotion play-off Final against Preston

Sheringham's contract expires this summer but Pardew believes the 39-year-old still has a vital part to play in the club's future. "I want Teddy to stay here, irrespective of Monday's result," said the West Ham manager.

"He has done a magnificent job for us this season and his experience and talent will be invaluable again next season, whether we are in the Premiership or the Championship."

Sheringham, who missed the play-off semi-final against Ipswich with a hamstring injury, should be fit to play some part in Monday's big match in Cardiff although Pardew looks certain to start with Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora, who starred against Ipswich.

Defender Tomas Repka has recovered from hamstring problems and looks certain to play what will be his final game before leaving the club.

Repka was sent off when West Ham lost to Preston at Upton Park earlier in the season, a match which degenerated into a mass brawl in the tunnel afterwards.

Preston have returned from their training camp in Portugal with no injury worries.