West Ham are not entirely happy to see Mikey Antonio included in the preliminary Jamaica squad for the Concacaf Cup Competition starting on July 11.
Mikey’s decision to make himself available to the country created mixed feelings in side the club and among fans after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate for the Euros.
Sadly his too regular absences through hamstring problems last season saw him make 24 appearances for a return of 10 goals.
And the manager was hoping the 31 year old would have a quiet and restful summer in order to be tuned up physically for the new season which starts with a trip to Newcastle.
However, should he make the final squad Mikey could be involved in the Concacaf opening Group C game between Jamaica and Suriname at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium, on July 12.
A Hammers source said: “Obviously it’s an honour for the player and no one really wants to depive him of it but the last thing we want is for him to become injured ahead of the new season.
Sorry but Ant cannot be our lead frontman anymore if we truly intent on remaining in the top 6. I would go as far as saying we need two new frontmen for next season otherwise we will be over reliant on goals from elsewhere.
I agree with you Julian.
How can we have just one forward who we fear every game he might get injured.
We really need to spend big on someone who will be the main striker.
This isn’t a dig at Antonia as i love the man but this hamstring problem is not going away.
I agree that we actually need two new strikers, with Antonio seen as a bonus when fit and available.
He is a fantastic player, but we know that he can break down at any moment.
Concacaf games clash with our season and, if selected, this could rule Mikey out for even more of our league and cup games, and the likely travel fatigue.
This problem would not have arisen if the clot Southgate had picked him for England. He could have walked into this feeble England side, with Harry Cane nowhere to be seen and Rashford looking like a little boy lost.
brilliant for him and Jamaica, west ham will need a striker and antoio can play around him and other positions.
Good luck Michail. Hope he enjoys himself and can look back on these times with fond memories. He owes us nothing and any more games for us are always a bonus. Fingers crossed and come back bubbling. If we happen to have bought a couple of world class central strikers who have to play – don’t panic – there’s still plenty of room on the pitch for a player of your hanesty, talent and commitment.
COYI
Good luck Michail. Hope he enjoys himself and can look back on these times with fond memories. He owes us nothing and any more games for us are always a bonus. Fingers crossed and come back bubbling. If we happen to have bought a couple of world class central strikers who have to play – don’t panic – there’s still plenty of room on the pitch for a player of your honesty, talent and commitment.
COYI
Antonio has a right to play international football just like every other player. West Ham understands that like any other club around the world. Why should he be restricted to playing exclusively for West Ham when footballers have such a short career to look back on. Would it have been fine if he was called up for England and would the same fears exist?
We are short all around the squad at West Ham and this season we have been lucky regarding how the injuries have affected the team on a whole, but there is no guarantee that it will last.
We need Strikers, midfielders and defenders (Quality)………. all of those positions have the ability to throw a spanner in the works for us this season.
Well Done Antonio…….. show ’em what you’ve got. As there are many employers up and down the country who unfairly prevent employee’s from attaining promotion for the same reasons……which has similarities IF this option was available to the club.