Premiership: Hammers wait on Kanoute for Derby visit

West Ham are hoping Frederic Kanoute is fit to face Derby on Boxing Day.

Kanoute strained his thigh in the game against Arsenal and missed Saturday's draw with Leicester.

The French striker had just returned from a hamstring injury, and will be praying this latest knock does not hamper his hopes.

Jermain Defoe is on standby should Kanoute not return.

David James recovered sufficiently from a heavy cold to face the Foxes and should be fine to keep goal for the visit of the Rams.

Beni Carbone will line up alongside fellow Italian Fabrizio Ravanelli for Derby.

Colin Todd must decide whether to throw Giorgi Kinkladze in from the start again after his impressive performance in the win over Aston Villa.

Malcolm Christie, who clambered off the bench to score on Saturday, is also in with a shout.

Darryl Powell will have a late test after missing the Villa game with a head injury, but Todd may opt to stick with Paul Boertien.

Boertien settled into his unaccustomed role as Derby's midfield general on Saturday with ease.