Alex Dyer has hailed the contribution of Kieron Dyer after an impressive return to action with West Ham United reserves saw him score twice in a 5-2 defeat of Stoke City.
Against a strong Potters second string, the Hammers were in good form. Led by the professionalism of the England attacker, they roared into a two-goal lead and turned on the style again after the interval to finish up deserved 5-2 winners. "We showed our class," said the reserve-team manager. "When we conceded we came back and scored straight. It has been a good night for the lads.
Dyer was the star of the show on Tuesday night at the home of Bishop's Stortford but there were also goals for Danny Kearns, Terry Dixon and Frank Nouble - with the latter pair linking up well in attack in front of the watching Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke. It was the most experienced player on view though that caught the eye. "We played Kieron in the hole," his coach said. "He found little gaps and he got us playing. It was his first game back after injury and he was outstanding.
"He scored two good goals. He looked fitter than I have seen him for a long while. He came to the reserves with a good attitude and it set the tone in the changing room. It set the tone out on the pitch as well. It was a good performance from him.
"He gave the others confidence and the courage to get on the ball. His attitude around the young lads was tremendous. He was positive. He didn't scream and bawl at them. He encouraged them to get on the ball and play. It makes my job a little bit easier to have someone out there like that who will use his initiative and give out some leadership. At certain times he played further forward and could run beyond. He got on the ball a lot and was gliding past players."
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