Carrick could commit himself to Hammers - Pardew

West Ham manager Alan Pardew expects Michael Carrick to commit himself to the club’s cause if his prospective move to Tottenham breaks down.

The Newcastle-born player was withdrawn from the Hammers’ reserve-team line-up for the game against Norwich last night in order to hold talks with Spurs. Portsmouth, Arsenal, West Brom, Everton and Crystal Palace have all been linked with Carrick as well and the player is out of contract at Upton Park at the end of this season.

Pardew confirmed: “There’s been some serious contact between Tottenham Hotspur and ourselves regarding Michael.

“No deal has been finalised between us and Spurs yet or between Spurs and the player.

“Michael was pulled out of a reserve game in case it was going to happen quickly.

“It hasn’t, and I spoke to Michael during the game and said to him if it doesn’t come off then you have to realise you’re a West Ham player and your mentality has to be to play on Saturday. I have no doubt he’ll be in the right frame of mind to play for us.

“Reports that we took a hard line with him last week were not true, it’s just a question of Michael making his mind up. If he decides he’s staying here then he has to play well for us,” Pardew told Sky Sports News.

Meanwhile, West Ham are giving a trial to Rangers full-back Maurice Ross with a view to a possible loan deal.

The 23-year-old Scotland international is being given the chance to solve a defensive crisis at Upton Park.

The Hammers need cover with Christian Dailly out after a knee operation and Andy Melville suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Wales.

Pardew added: “He’s here on trial so we can have a look at him and he can have a look at us.”