Roeder stays cool after Di Canio outburst

Glenn Roeder today refused to be drawn into a war of words with Paolo Di Canio despite the Italian's provocative comments following his substitution at Fulham.

Angry Di Canio was reported to have wanted a move following the match but today the controversial striker was rapidly backtracking.

Di Canio will be back in the side as captain in tomorrow's derby against Charlton and Roeder said: "I don't need to go into details about the substitution against Fulham. I did what I felt was needed at the time. Paolo has a contract until the end of next year and I expect him to be here next season. He's an excellent player and I was very pleased with his contribution last weekend.

"He hasn't asked to see me but I expect we'll talk. We've done that frequently this season. I suspect his pride may have been hurt."

Di Canio today denied that he wanted a move and said: "I like Glenn Roeder, he is a good manager and can become one of the best this club has had but he hasn't spoken to me since Monday.

"Glenn is a young manager and he is learning but he should have spoken to me about his decision to substitute me - I go on morals, respect and values.

"I love this club, and I want to stay here for the rest of my career, but I have to wonder if I am in the manager's plans for next season.

"Maybe Glenn substituted me because he thought we had 43 points and felt safe.

"But he should have been big enough to do that a few games ago if that is what he wanted.

"I don't want to leave West Ham and I would never ask for a transfer, but if they are going to force me out in the summer they shall have to let me go for nothing."

Familiarity breeds content at Charlton