Go Mo

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says that Modibo Maiga is one the verge of claiming a place in the starting XI.

West Ham travel across London tonight in order to face Queens Park Rangers in a match being broadcast live on TV.

And McDonald - standing in for Sam Allardyce when facing the press ahead of the game - insisted that the striker, who grabbed his first goal for the club in the Capital One Cup last week has impressed enough in recent outings to be considered an option for the sole striker position.

"I think that his chance will be coming," said McDonald. "It takes time for the foreign players when they come in to adjust, not just to the training but to the pace of the Premier League.

"But he's gradually got better and better as time's gone on and now he's ready and waiting for his chance."

Another player hoping to make a return to the starting XI having recently recovered from injury is club record signing Matt Jarvis. The winger was disappointing against Wigan last Tuesday - as were most - but could make only his second start at Loftus Road tonight.

"Matt is biding his time," added McDonald. "When a new player comes in it gives them a chance to sit back, look at everything, see how it works and enjoy training without too much pressure. He's definitely ready to go back in the team if the manager picks him.

"Long-term I think he'll bring excellent retention of the ball, he'll bring balls in the box to help people score goals and he's high energy as well. Those three things are vital to any team."