Trevor Sinclair has tipped Aussie youngster Richard Garcia to break
through into the first team this season.
Trevor was able to see his progress at close hand for Richard, like Trevor, was at Chadwell Heath most days during the summer as he came back from injury.
Perth born Richard has come through two games, against Purfleet and Heybridge Swifts, without adverse effect.
They were his first matches in eight months since being stretchered off in November against Cheltenham Town while on loan with Leyton Orient, for whom he played 21 times and scored four goals.
Trevor says he is helping all the young players at West Ham - but reckons Richard will be the first to force his way into the senior side.
"For any professional that has been in the game for season after season," he says, "if you are not going to help your colleagues out what is the point in bringing the lads in to the first team group?
"They learn things from you in training - but sometimes we learn a little bit off them!
"I don't feel obliged to help them, just willing, because I want to give the young lads encouragement.
"It gives me enthusiasm, and hopefully I can help them progress into Premiership players.
"I've been interested in Richard Garcia's progress; he is doing really well in his recovery, and I feel that if he carries on in the same way he has every chance of breaking through into the first team.
"We are a bit light in the midfield anyway, so that is one player that could definitely be brought through and do a job for the first team, in my opinion.
"He looks really fit and, without putting too much pressure on him, I can see him making a good player."
With Glenn Roeder minus one midfielder since the departure of Frank Lampard, perhaps Richard's chance will come sooner rather than later, though Trevor admits:
"I'd have liked to have seen Frank stay, but it seems the club had their hands tied behind their backs a little bit.
"That's done now and there's no point looking back on the past.
"It's a great move for him and I wish him all the best; he is a good lad and a great pro.
"He has got the ability to go right to the top."
Trevor is certainly happy with the major summer signing so far, David James, and adds:
"I have known David James for a while anyway; he is a good character to have around, and always shows enthusiasm.
"He's probably fitter than most of the players and brings the experience of being an international."
Trevor was able to see his progress at close hand for Richard, like Trevor, was at Chadwell Heath most days during the summer as he came back from injury.
Perth born Richard has come through two games, against Purfleet and Heybridge Swifts, without adverse effect.
They were his first matches in eight months since being stretchered off in November against Cheltenham Town while on loan with Leyton Orient, for whom he played 21 times and scored four goals.
Trevor says he is helping all the young players at West Ham - but reckons Richard will be the first to force his way into the senior side.
"For any professional that has been in the game for season after season," he says, "if you are not going to help your colleagues out what is the point in bringing the lads in to the first team group?
"They learn things from you in training - but sometimes we learn a little bit off them!
"I don't feel obliged to help them, just willing, because I want to give the young lads encouragement.
"It gives me enthusiasm, and hopefully I can help them progress into Premiership players.
"I've been interested in Richard Garcia's progress; he is doing really well in his recovery, and I feel that if he carries on in the same way he has every chance of breaking through into the first team.
"We are a bit light in the midfield anyway, so that is one player that could definitely be brought through and do a job for the first team, in my opinion.
"He looks really fit and, without putting too much pressure on him, I can see him making a good player."
With Glenn Roeder minus one midfielder since the departure of Frank Lampard, perhaps Richard's chance will come sooner rather than later, though Trevor admits:
"I'd have liked to have seen Frank stay, but it seems the club had their hands tied behind their backs a little bit.
"That's done now and there's no point looking back on the past.
"It's a great move for him and I wish him all the best; he is a good lad and a great pro.
"He has got the ability to go right to the top."
Trevor is certainly happy with the major summer signing so far, David James, and adds:
"I have known David James for a while anyway; he is a good character to have around, and always shows enthusiasm.
"He's probably fitter than most of the players and brings the experience of being an international."