Diop unfazed

Issa Diop insists you always have to be ready to be thrown into the fray after being drafted into the team against Leicester late on.

Kurt Zouma fell ill before the game so was dropped from David Moyes’ initial starting XI.

That meant that Diop was thrown into the team, as the Hammers fought out a 2-2 draw with the Foxes.

Diop actually laid on the assist for the opening goal, which was scored by Jarrod Bowen, although the Irons did need a late goal from Craig Dawson to rescue that point.

The defender has now confirmed that he was always ready and willing to come into the fray and play, as you just never know when you’re going to be asked by the manager.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “As a professional you have to be ready for everything.

“This is what I’m training to do every day so the manager told me that Kurt was unwell and I played – that’s it. I hope Kurt is feeling better soon, as it’s not something big.

“We started the game well and played a good first half. Then in the second half they changed some things and we struggled a bit for half-an-hour.

“Then, we finished the game better and I think it’s a fair result.”

Diop has made nine appearances in the Premier League in total this season, falling down the pecking order throughout the campaign.

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.