Ryan Fredericks – having established himself as the Hammers right back – knows he is unable to take it easy as he resists challenges from a couple the challengers looking to take over the role.

Both Pablo Zabaleta and Ben Johnson are continuing to pushing hard to ensure that the former Fulham man retains his very best form as the Hammers look to press on to greater things this season.

Johnson, in particular, was being considered by many as a real live prospect at right or left back but Fredericks appears to be growing into the role and holding off all challenges.

And he has spoken about the level of training that he and other non internationals have to maintain during a break from Premier League action.

The start has been terrific but there is absolutely no relenting for any player on the training ground as their team mates compete for their countries.

And Fredericks told https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2019/september/09-september/ryan-fredericks-rising-confidence-intensive-training-and: “It’s been really tough. I think people get the perception that the international lads go away and we’re just out there playing head tennis or taking it easy, but that’s definitely not the case.

“The hardest sessions were the ones at the end of last week. The manager has drilled us into us that we’ve started well, but we still have loads of work to do.”