Sam Allardyce is set for a major boost with the return of inspirational defender Winston Reid.

The New Zealand captain has been sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up in training for nearly three months but we have learned he has a 50-50 chance of making the bench for the  clash against Chelsea on January 29.

Whilst that’s a big fillip for the manager it also means his claims that once he gets his injured players back “we’ll be ok” is set to be tested to the limits.

The Hammers defence has been shipping goals at an alarming rate in recent games after injuries have decimated the club’s defensive resources. Winston has never been more badly needed.

A source told us exclusively: “We HOPE he may be available for Chelsea. That’s 50-50 but we definitely expect him back for the match against Swansea on February 1.”