Tony Cottee has told WHUTV of his excitement at the form of West Ham United striker Zavon Hines before the trip to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
Cottee provided the audio commentary analysis for Tuesday's 6-0 Barclays Premier Reserve League South thrashing of Birmingham City, which was broadcast live on the club's official website, whufc.com. He was hugely impressed with what he witnessed at the Boleyn Ground.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH TC SHARE HIS VIEWS
Like everyone associated with West Ham, club ambassador Cottee was delighted to witness the return of midfielder Valon Behrami from a long-term knee injury.
While new signings Alessandro Diamanti, Fabio Daprela and Davide Ferrari, as well as captain Bondz 'Gala, also caught the former Hammers striker's eye, it was the performance of hat-trick hero Hines that really had Cottee excited.
The 20-year-old, who has already figured in a senior international squad with Jamaica, scored three goals, and caused Birmingham's defence untold problems on a memorable evening.
"It was an incredible game, really," Cottee told WHUTV. "We were all looking forward to seeing the return of Valon Behrami, there was a big crowd of 1,250 in and we scored some wonderful goals.
"I was doing the commentary and I gave Zavon the big build-up, saying I was really excited about this lad, but I genuinely am. I have been moaning for about five-or-six years, asking where all the goalscorers have gone, because they don't just all-of-a-sudden disappear. Perhaps they don't get the chance any more?
"Credit to the club because we've got a lot of young players coming through and Zavon is one of them. He's been given his chance against Millwall. I think he was a little bit nervous when he came on, but, once he got his goal, he really settled down and started to buzz around.
"On Tuesday, he scored three goals and all three were real striker's finishes.
"I'm excited about Diamanti and I'm excited about Behrami, but one player who really excites me at the club at the moment is Zavon and I think he's a real prospect."