Ian Holloway's men have confounded the critics who expected them to be propping up the Barclays Premier League rather than the Irons.

However, Grant feels his squad - which has been boosted by the arrival of Robbie Keane, Demba Ba and Gary O'Neil - can produce the necessary performance as they fight to get out of trouble.

"For me, Blackpool are the team of the season and Ian Holloway is the manager of the season," the West Ham manager said.

"They did miracles because everyone predicted they would quickly be on their way to the Championship again, and also I like how they play football."

Grant continued: "We need to continue like we have been doing in the past few weeks.

"We have played against teams around us, have played well and taken points.

"We have four good strikers now, and it is better I have this problem than it was before.

"I think now you will see improvement in all areas of the team."

Grant is hoping Keane can have the same impact on West Ham's fight for survival as Carlos Tevez did three seasons ago.

The Argentina striker, now at Manchester City, famously produced a run of goals which helped the Irons beat the drop at the end of the 2006/2007 campaign, including the only goal in a famous win at Old Trafford before then going on to sign for Manchester United.

Keane's arrival - initially on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season with a view to making a £6million deal permanent as long as the Irons maintain their top-flight status - is certainly expected to inject fresh life into the West Ham attack.

"I hope so. Robbie has the qualities to do it," said Grant.

"However, I don't like to compare players. I have known Tevez for many years personally.

"He is a great player and has scored goals wherever he has been, but the same has happened for Robbie Keane.

"Robbie has scored goals everywhere and he can do the same for us. I think the style of the team is good for him."

West Ham are Keane's seventh club since he made the breakthrough at Wolves, and last season spent a loan spell in Scotland with Celtic.

The much-travelled frontman, though, is confident he can adapt quickly to be a useful addition to the West Ham squad.

"When I went back to Spurs I think I had a massive hand in keeping the club up, they were in a similar position to where West Ham are at the moment," Keane, 30, said.

"It is a challenge and one I am looking forwards to."

Keane, however, is not concerning himself with any parallels drawn with Tevez, who remains a popular figure among West Ham fans.

The Republic of Ireland striker said: "I am not really looking for hero status, I am just here to play football.

"If I can help the rest of the team keep West Ham in the Premier League, then it will be great because everyone will have done their job."