Glynn Snodin insists he is fully focused on Northern Ireland’s World Cup 2010 dream even though fresh doubt has been cast on his future as West Ham coach.

The man who brought Snodin to Upton Park in June last year — Alan Curbishley — has resigned and there is the possibility his successor will want to bring fresh faces to the coaching set-up.

Snodin was shocked to learn his former Charlton Athletic colleague had walked away from the Hammers but as preparations continue ahead of Northern Ireland’s vital World Cup qualifier in Slovakia on Saturday, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United player said his club woes would not affect his international commitments.

“I will have my professional head on this week and I am fully focused on Northern Ireland,” he said.

“We have two vitally important games and everyone is so determined to start well in the qualifiers. We haven’t been able to do that in previous campaigns so we must put that right.

“The boys had a good training session at Chelsea and they have worked hard again here.”

Northern Ireland have already been dealt a blow with the news that Kyle Lafferty will miss Saturday’s showdown with a back injury but Nigel Worthington’s right hand man believes the troops can start their campaign on a winning note.

“It’s a setback losing Kyle but hopefully he will be back for the game against the Czech Republic on Wednesday,” added Snodin.

“But Nigel has other strikers to select from and hopefully the goals will come from the midfield and set pieces, not just from the boots of David Healy.

“Whether its a league campaign or World Cup qualifier, you always want to start well and get some momentum going.

“The more points you can get on the board in the early stages the better.

“The players have a strong desire to do well and qualify for a major tournament and a good start would take any pressure off their shoulders. Everyone is very hopeful we can get the win we want.”