Hammers to field first-choice XI against Macclesfield

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley intends to field his strongest possible team for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie against Macclesfield.

The match has come too soon for Craig Bellamy (hamstring) but the Wales striker could be fit for Saturday’s clash with Blackburn, while George McCartney may return after shaking off a virus.

Kieron Dyer (broken leg), Jonathan Spector (hip), Danny Gabbidon (stomach), James Tompkins (leg) and James Collins (knee) are still out.

Provisional squad: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert, Parker, Noble, McCartney, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Lastuvka, Reid, Bowyer, Spence, Boa Morte, Mullins, Sears.