By Paul Brown in Chicago

Paul Lambert is pleased with the way his team are playing themselves into form this early in pre-season and stressed they must be ready for West Ham on the opening day.

Lambert leads his team into action against Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Saturday admitting he's been delighted with the application of his players on this USA Tour.

While he admits winning isn't the most important aspect of the weeks leading up to August 18 at Upton Park, he's still keen for his side to gain that "mentality of winning" to set them up for the campaign opener.

He was very happy with the form at Burton and Union and wants more of the same against Fire.

Speaking from the team's Chicago base, he said: "For us, the Fire game is another test as Burton was and Philadelphia was.

"We are very early into it, as everybody knows. But we are playing really well at the minute, which is really pleasing.

"The key for me is that the team is starting to play well and before West Ham we have to be ready.

"The game is a long way away but the lads have done fantastically well.

"The Fire match is going to be a really tough, a really hard match. But we have come here to win, to get that mentality of winning. That's what we are trying to do.

"We have only been back for pre-season for two weeks but it's been great. It's been very good."

Ahead of the clash with Fire, Lambert again reiterated his appreciation for the MLS.

He added: "I think it's very strong.

"I remember when I was a player I came and played in Washington. It was really cool. It was about 300 degrees! I think the game finished 0-0.

"Scotland came over a few months ago and ended up losing 5-1. So that shows you the American players are getting better. There are some over in Britain, of course.

"I don't think the league can be underestimated. The league is getting better and the players are getting stronger.

"I don't think there's such thing as an easy game. I think you have to earn the right to win a game. If you don't you end up losing!"

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