Georgie faces anxious wait

Full-back George McCartney could be out of action for some time after sustaining an ankle injury against Derby last Saturday.

McCartney was on the wrong end of a heavy challenge in the first minute of the game before eventually being replaced some 12 minutes later after making it clear that he could no longer continue.

A scan earlier today revealed that the Northern Irish international - who will definitely miss his country's two forthcoming games - had sustained ligament damage. However the extent of the damage is currently unknown.

Whilst minor damage (stretched ligaments) could result in McCartney returning to action by the end of the month, a more serious diagnosis (complete rupture) could keep him sidelined until next season.

Lucas Neill - who deputised for McCartney during last Saturday's 5-0 win - is favourite to replace McCartney for the forseeable future, with the Hammers having no recognised left-back to cover the Irishman.

However Jonathan Spector - who has found himself employed in an unfamiliar midfield role for the last two games - could also step in, having done so on several occasions last season.