Under-pressure West Ham boss David Moyes defends cautious approach as his side fail to score goals

David Moyes says it is time for ‘tin helmet’ for his players after admitting that he, like West Ham fans, has not enjoyed watching his relegation-threatened side struggle to score this season.

Nottingham Forest visit the London Stadium today amid rumors that Moyes could be sacked if he loses.

But the 59-year-old, who could give striker Danny Ings his first start since signing in January, insists he retains the backing of the board.

Moyes said: ‘The players are definitely ready for the fight. What we have to show then is quality, that we are ambitious, that we want to go and win the game. Sometimes you just put on your tin helmet and show everyone what you can do.

Moyes has faced accusations from fans for being too cautious in recent games.

West Ham manager David Moyes has faced criticism from fans for his defensive approach.

Danny Ings could be called in to start as West Ham look to address their goal shortage

Moyes reportedly risks being sacked if West Ham lose to Nottingham Forest

“There’s probably some truth to it,” he said. ‘But I also don’t think you would last that long in management if you were just cautious.

Were we cautious last year? We haven’t changed much. I don’t enjoy seeing that we don’t score. I have to find a way to say: “If we are not going to score, how are we not going to lose?”

“If we keep losing, I won’t be a manager, so I have to find a way to get the balance right.”

West Ham has drawn with AEK Larnaca of Cyprus in the round of 16 of the Europa Conference League.