No Repka for Hammers

West Ham were without experienced Czech defender Tomas Repka for their Upton Park clash with Blackburn.

The versatile Hayden Mullins came into the side for Repka, who was taken ill this morning, while manager Alan Pardew handed debuts to four of his summer signings on the Hammers’ return to the Barclays Premiership.

Former Manchester United keeper Roy Carroll started in goal with Wales international Danny Gabbidon and left-back Paul Konchesky lining up in defence.

Israeli playmaker Yossi Benayoun started in midfield while striker Teddy Sheringham – at 39 the oldest player in the Premiership this weekend – linked up with Marlon Harewood.

Blackburn handed debuts to strikers Craig Bellamy, who recovered from an ankle injury to start up front, and Shefki Kuqi while goalkeeper Brad Friedel was making his 200th English league appearance.

West Ham: Carroll, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Dailly, Konchesky, Reo-Coker, Benayoun, Mullins, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood. Subs: Hislop, Ward, Newton, Noble, Zamora.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Mokoena, Matteo, Emerton, Savage, Reid, Pedersen, Kuqi, Bellamy. Subs: Enckelman, Flitcroft, Dickov, Tugay, Gresko.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)