Zamora knocks on Hammers door

Bobby Zamora made full use of the international break to sharpen up his eye for goal – just in time for the visit to former club Tottenham on Sunday.

The 24-year-old grabbed a brace in the reserves’ midweek 6-1 thrashing of Charlton to put himself back in contention for a place in the starting XI at White Hart Lane after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Although having only scored once in the Barclays Premiership so far, Hammers boss Alan Pardew has been impressed by the work-rate and commitment of the former Brighton forward.

An it was a sentiment echoed by first team coach Kevin Keen following Zamora’s impressive showing against the Addicks second-string.

“Bobby Zamora’s attitude was excellent and an example to all the young players in the side,” said Keen.

“He took his two goals very well, but contributed so much more, not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing-room where his approach to the game was brilliant.”

Zamora joined West Ham from Spurs in February 2004 as part of the deal which took Jermain Defoe to White Hart Lane.

The striker had endured a difficult spell in north London – making 16 Premiership appearances for Spurs, but failing to score in the league – after much had been expected of him following a move from Brighton in July 2003.

But while Zamora will certainly have an extra incentive to make the side on Sunday, Pardew has plenty of options in attack.

David Bellion also netted twice for the reserves, while on-loan Arsenal youngster Jeremie Aliadiere was another on target as he stepped up his match sharpness after a hernia operation.

However, in-form veteran Teddy Sheringham – whose goals have helped beat Middlesbrough and West Brom in recent weeks – is likely to keep his place alongside Marlon Harewood as the Hammers look to consolidate their position in the top 10 with a result against Martin Jol’s men.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll could return after sustaining a knee injury in a freak training ground accident last month, which would be welcome news given the travelling Shaka Hislop has done during the international break with Trinidad & Tobago, who have qualified for the World Cup.

With captain Nigel Reo-Coker set to be unavailable for around six weeks after scans revealed a crack in his ankle bone, Scotland’s Christian Dailly is in contention to make the starting XI.

The versatile 32-year-old was deployed at wing-back in the friendly against the United States at Hampden last weekend, and is now relishing the cut and thrust of a London derby.

“It should be a great atmosphere at White Hart Lane and a game that both sets of players will be looking forward to,” Daily said on the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.