West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri hopeful over first Premier League start

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Sam Long12 April 2017

Jonathan Calleri is hopeful he has done enough to convince Slaven Bilic he deserves to make his first Premier League start for West Ham.

Calleri joined the Hammers on a season-long loan deal from Deportivo Maldonado last summer but has struggled for game time this season.

The 23-year-old has been restricted to just 11 top-flight appearances, all of which have been as a substitute.

Calleri was brought on during last week's victory over Swansea after Michail Antonio picked up an injury and produced a promising performance as the Hammers picked up three vital points.

The Argentine is now in contention to lead the line for Saturday's crucial trip to Sunderland and is determined to play his part during the run-in.

“We have six games left," he told West Ham's official website.

"As a player, I always try to do my best in order to play all the games, but it is a manager´s decision to pick the team.

“Saturday could be a chance for me to start the game and, if I do, I will try to do my best to be the manager´s first choice to play.

“People might expect us to win at Sunderland, but it will be a difficult game.

"It is again the last team of the table and they have to win, so I expect them to give it everything to beat us,” Calleri added.

West Ham are currently eight points clear of the drop zone and will all-but secure their safety with victory at the Stadium of Light.

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