Teddy delighted with striker Sakho

Teddy Sheringham spotted something special in Diafra Sakho after his very first training session with West Ham United's new attacking coach.

The former Hammers and England star took the recently-signed Sakho and the Club's other forwards for a finishing session at Chadwell Heath in early September.

Sheringham had never seen the 24-year-old in the flesh before, but he was quickly taken by the ex-FC Metz striker's technique, movement and natural finishing ability.

Eight weeks later and Sakho has taken the Barclays Premier League by storm, scoring in each of his first five starts in Claret and Blue and impressing all with his outstanding all-round game.

So, why does Sheringham believe the Senegalese has made such an impact?

"First of all, he has an eye for a goal," he enthused. "He can score a goal first and foremost.

"Secondly, and more importantly, he wants to score a goal and he puts himself in positions where he can score a goal.

"He has enthusiasm all over the pitch, which makes him a team favourite and, at the same time, a crowd favourite. He is up there in the right or left wing position, up the middle and then tracking back to the full-back positions. He pops up everywhere doing something for the team, which makes him invaluable.

"When you look up front and see two boys working their socks off to close people down and stop their full-backs getting out, then it's invaluable for the team and you get a boost from that.

"On top of that work-rate, he is scoring goals and is full of confidence and long may it continue."

While Sakho's new strike partner Enner Valencia has not netted the same number of goals as the No15, Sheringham says he fully expects the South American to start hitting the net regularly soon.

Sakho became the first West Ham player ever to score on his first five league appearances for the Club, and just the ninth Hammer to score in at least six consecutive matches after Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Ruffell, John Dick, Johnny Byrne, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, David Cross and Tony Cottee.

Watson enjoyed streaks of nine, seven (twice) and six consecutive scoring matches during his record-breaking 16-year career at the Club, while Hurst netted in seven straight games in January-February 1964.

Amazingly, Syd Puddefoot scored in EIGHTEEN consecutive matches in the War-time London Combination between Feb 1918 and Jan 1919!