Hammers unfazed by expectation - McDonald

West Ham are not afraid of their favourites tag as they head into the npower Championship play-offs, according to assistant boss Neil McDonald.

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay says his side, who finished sixth, 11 points behind the Hammers, are underdogs going into Thursday evening's semi-final first leg in Wales. And Sam Allardyce's right-hand man McDonald is confident West Ham have quickly shrugged off the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion to Southampton last Saturday. "In our heart of hearts we always knew Southampton would win their last game," said McDonald. "We were more disappointed when we drew at Bristol City before that in a game we needed to win. "But the boys are in really good spirits and we are all ready for the game. There's a great atmosphere and good competition for places. "We were favourites at the start of the season to go up so it was disappointing we didn't do it automatically. But we'll take the favourite tag if everyone wants to give it to us and we are ready for the two games against Cardiff."