Graham Potter promotes four West Ham rising stars to senior training – Exclusive
Graham Potter has fast-tracked four academy players to first-team training ahead of playing Aston Villa in the FA Cup, Martin Allen has exclusively told West Ham Zone.
The new Hammers boss kicks off his spell in charge in East London with an away trip to face Unai Emery’s side in the FA Cup third round on Friday (10 January).
Given the poor performances in recent weeks under Julen Lopetegui, there is a chance that the Englishman will hand out fresh opportunities within his squad.
Former Irons midfielder Allen has revealed that four young players could feature against the Villans after being introduced in training since Potter’s appointment.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “There’s plenty of good young players at West Ham that haven’t been involved under Lopetegui.
“I fully expect some of those to be at the forefront of Graham Potter’s mind to bring through to the first team squad and I’ve been told four of them trained with the squad before the Aston Villa game.
“I would imagine that Potter wants the academy players to move into the squad to take it forward as part of his plan, not just in the next few weeks but over the next six months and even years.“
Graham Potter may trust West Ham academy stars v Aston Villa
The former Brighton boss has a somewhat free-hit start to life at the London Stadium with a cup clash against tough opposition.
This could see the 49-year-old utilise a wide range of players at Villa Park to examine the level of quality within his new squad in East London.
After handing youth players a chance in training this week, it will be interesting to see if the likes of Oliver Scarles and Lewis Orford are afforded an opportunity against the Villans in Potter’s maiden clash.
In other West Ham news, Andy Dunn has slammed the London Stadium board after what Potter has said.
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