? Midfielder signs two-and-a-half-year contract
? O'Neil available for Carling Cup semi-final
West Ham United have completed the signing of the midfielder Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old former Portsmouth player arrives at West Ham on a permanent deal having signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.
O'Neil will be available for tomorrow's night's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Birmingham City.
O'Neil spent two years with West Ham as a youngster and admits it feels he has "come home".
"I'm really pleased to sign. It all happened very quickly," he said. "I played for Middlesbrough at the weekend and didn't know anything was going to happen. It has all gathered pace since then. There was also a big rush to do it quickly when they realised I wasn't cup-tied.
"I enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough, the fans and staff were really good but it has been a difficult time on the pitch.
"It is nice to be back in the Premier League and play at the top level, which everyone wants to do. I am London born so it is good to come home. It is great that the club have such a massive game to look forward to.
"I haven't trained yet with the team so it is up to the manager of course if he wants to use me. I will take it one step at a time but it is a big game and it could be a case of straight in at the deep end if involved."
O'Neil's arrival follows that of Wayne Bridge, who joined on loan from Manchester City earlier this month.
O'Neil will replace Valon Behrami in West Ham's 25-man squad, with the Swiss international midfielder on the verge of a move to Fiorentina.
"O'Neil is a good player, he is experienced, he has played in the Premier League," said manager Avram Grant. "He is very energetic and clever. I am sure he will be very good for us. I am happy he can help us tomorrow.
"The deal [for Behrami to Fiorentina] is nearly done. I think everything will be okay. It is just formalities and of course money."
West Ham failed to push through the loan signing of Demba Ba from Hoffenheim in time for him to feature at St Andrew's.
But Grant is confident the Senegal international is bound for Upton Park ? and he does not view the signing as a gamble.
Ba was due to sign for Stoke City earlier this month only for the move to fall through after he failed a medical.
"He could not have played 21 games this season if he had a medical problem," said Grant.
Ba announced yesterday on his personal website that a six-month loan deal had been agreed between the two clubs and that he was excited to link up with his new Hammers team-mates.
"I like Ba's comments," Grant added. "It is always good when a player wants to come and join our club. I think he is doing the right thing. We are a good club and he can help us. It is almost done."
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/25/gary-oneil-west-ham-middlesbrough
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