Carlos Tevez has admitted he is not used to playing for a team involved in a relegation dogfight - but the West Ham striker says he is relishing the challenge.

Alan Curbishley's side have put together an impeccably-timed run of six wins in eight games that leaves them needing just a point in their final game of the season at Manchester United on Sunday to guarantee survival.

The Argentinian international's inspirational form has been a huge factor in the incredible turnaround at Upton Park and he is hopeful of completing the Great Escape at Old Trafford this weekend.

“We have to face the champions at their stadium. It is one of those special matches," he said. "Even more, if you are playing for important things. Fighting against relegation is something new for me. I was not used to fighting for not going down to the second level, but I take it like a challenge and I really like it.

“I think fighting against relegation is tougher than competing for the title, because you know that if you don’t win the title, you can win it later. This is totally different because if you lose, you can go down to the second level. If you are not champions, you can be sad, but it is not the same as being relegated.”

Tevez is also hopeful that his good form will earn him a place in the Argentina squad for the Copa America in Venezuela this summer.

“I want to play in the Copa America," he added. "It is special to me and to all the players who played in that match against Brazil [the 2004 final which Argentina lost on penalties to their arch rivals].

“I need to play in the national team. However, I know that you put yourself in or out of the squad through your performances with your club. know I haven’t played well but now I feel different. I am in good shape and playing well in the Premier League. Anyway, I have already demonstrated I am a national team player. I have played in a World Cup.”