Ben Johnson has been something of a revelation since breaking out of the under 23s and into the Hammers first team squad.

There were those who were disappointed when Jeremy Ngakia departed for bottom three outfit Watford but after recovering from a couple of injuries Ben went on to demonstrate his multi positional abilities.

He may not have had the impact of Declan but his versatility as a right back, left back or in midfield  is a hugely important attribute to a squad low on numbers at times in certain positions.

It will be interesting to see whether he can reclaim the right back spot this afternoon as with Vladi Coufal perhaps not at his best against Leeds he has a chance.

Mind you, it’s  probably be unfair to single out the Czech as there were a few who were more than a bit off the pace last weekend.

Either way Ben is more than happy with things and wants to repay the manager for the faith he has shown in him.

Speaking to the official site he said: “I’ve not really known the manager for that long, only a couple of seasons.

But some of the lads had him prior and he kept us in the Premier League then, then kept us in the Premier League when he came back for a second stint and all the lads have a great relationship with him.

“When he came in, he was assertive, and he knew what he wanted and what he could get out of every single player and he wasn’t willing to negate that.

“For me, I feel like he has a lot of faith in me and I have a lot of confidence in him on the training pitch and in games.

He wants everyone to do well and for me to play well, so he’s certainly on me if I make a mistake and that’s something you want as a player, someone who sets high standards and keeps people on their toes.

“He’s been great with me and given me the opportunity in games to show what I can do. He’s put me in different positions and that shows real faith and is testament to him and to me as well that I can play in different positions and start for his side.

“I just want to repay the faith and put in good performances for him and for me.”