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Mark Noble unfazed by lack of West Ham starts as he targets behind-the-scenes role in future

<p>Content: Mark Noble knows he is in the latter stages of his playing career</p> (Getty Images)

Content: Mark Noble knows he is in the latter stages of his playing career

(Getty Images)

Mark Noble says he is not phased by falling down the pecking order at West Ham this season and is determined to enjoy the "last little bit" of his playing career.

The Hammers captain has started just two Premier League games all season, with David Moyes's side having racked up more points than any other West Ham team at this stage of a top-flight campaign.

Moyes is insistent that Noble remains crucial to his squad, highlighting his role in the changing room and performances in West Ham’s run to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and while Moyes has hinted at a new deal by saying Noble is there for the long-term, the midfielder has no issues with his position at the club and is enjoying however long he has left as a player, while considering a behind-the-scenes role further down the line.

"To be honest I've not been phased by it at all," Noble said. "You can't keep playing at that level. The Premier League really is a young man's game, it is such an athletic game and I've been lucky enough to play in it week in, week out for 16 years. I've had my fair share of games.

"The manager knows this club for me is where it all began and probably where it will finish. He's got me in the changing room so if he needs me he knows I'm here but I'm going to enjoy my last little bit of time as a West Ham player.

"Hopefully in the future I see myself being in the background at West Ham, making decisions and helping the manager and having a role that sort of way."

Noble set the standard for the Hammers as a professional and ruthless display saw them dispatch League One Doncaster on Saturday.

High-flying Manchester United, who knocked out Liverpool on Sunday, now stand between them and a first FA Cup quarter-final appearance since 2016.

The Hammers are equally as confident as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in their current form and Noble says no one will fancy facing West Ham after their turnaround in fortunes.

"I think it is a different mindset," said Noble. "The way we go about games and the way we play now, we're really solid. [We have] kept a lot of clean sheets this season and the manager has worked a lot on the defence so that gives us a good backboard to play with.

"In the cup, it doesn't sound right but you've got nothing to lose. You're playing against a top team in the country so you might as well go and have a go.

"I don't think anyone would enjoy playing us at the minute, they know it'll be a tough game. These big clubs, and us as well, have got so many games coming up in the next month or so you don't know how the manager will go about it. It is something that the boys will look forward to."

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