Stress is being a soldier, not taking penalties states Noble

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble has dismissed the notion that penalty-taking comes with pressure instead saying stress is being a front-line soldier.

Noble’s midweek penalty against Romanian champions Astra Giurgiu took him to 28 successful penalties from his last 31 spot kicks.

And despite his impressive success rate, Noble said there was no magic method for young Hammers fans looking to emulate his clinical nature from 12 yards.

“There is no secret to taking them,” he said.

“I feel confident I am going to score, but as I have said before there is a lot worse things happening in the world than taking a penalty.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“I know everyone loves football and is passionate and has an opinion. If you miss people have things to say.

“But there are people fighting on the frontline and one of the charities I donated my money to from my testimonial was Help for Heroes because of what they go through every day and on tour.

“I am sure they would swap me and play in a Europa League tie.”

The Hammers take on Bournemouth this weekend in their first Premier League fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

“I am looking forward to Sunday and it is finally upon us. I have been waiting a long time for it,” Noble added.

“The three-hour trip to Romania was not ideal three days before, but we are football players and have to get on with it.”