West Ham news: Moyes could promote starlet amid Michail Antonio ‘concerns’ – pundit
There is a “real opportunity” for West Ham youngster Sonny Perkins to be promoted to the starting XI and deputise for Michail Antonio as concerns about his fitness grow, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, pointed to the success of youth in cup competitions and the Europa League this term.
As quoted by the Guardian (6 February), manager David Moyes admitted he has “concerns” about Antonio after his “long travels” to link up with the Jamaica national side.
The striker started and played 90 minutes on his return to the Irons eleven during West Ham’s 1-0 win over Watford yesterday (8 February).
The former Nottingham Forest man is the Hammers’ only recognised striker after Moyes’ January pursuit of a back-up failed.
Whelan hinted the Scottish boss could be willing to draft in a youngster to help bolster the ranks.
“There’s a real opportunity for a youngster, that’s for sure, and I think someone like Perkins could be promoted,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But it’s just whether Moyes feels they are good enough and ready for the rigours of the Premier League.
“We know that they’ve had success in the cup competitions and the Europa League, we’ve seen some top-quality youngsters.
“But it’s down to Moyes. It’s similar to Leeds United. Sometimes you’d rather play an experienced winger through the middle, such as Dan James or Jarrod Bowen.
“It’s very important to have that experience at this stage of the season. But Moyes will be so wary of Antonio’s fitness levels and the upcoming qualifiers.”
Sonny Perkins is the most likely candidate for a first-team promotion.
The 17-year-old made his senior bow in the Europa League last year.
West Ham sit fourth in the Premier League.
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