McCarthy out for Hammers

West Ham will be without striker Benni McCarthy for the visit of Hull.

The South African star, who signed for the Hammers on the last day of the January transfer window, has been out with a knee problem since West Ham’s 2-1 defeat at Burnley on February 10.

Herita Ilunga (thigh) will remain sidelined for at least three more weeks while Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer (both hamstring) are not ready to return.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has been boosted by the return of Guillermo Franco from a muscle complaint which has kept him out for the last two months.

Team (from): Green, Stech, Spector, Faubert, Tomkins, Da Costa, Daprela, Parker, Behrami, Kovac, Collison, Diamanti, Stanislas, Cole, Mido, Ilan, Franco.