Winger is over injury problems and enjoying playing again

West Ham winger Junior Stanislas has revealed that he is over the injury problems that kept him out for four months last season and he is ready to play a key role in the Hammers’ push for promotion.

The 21-year-old, who has represented England at under-18, 19 and 21 level, is hoping to be given a chance to show what he can do in the Championship – and he is keen to take it.

“I hope to play a big role and play as many minutes on the pitch as I can,” he said.

“I want to score some goals and play my game.”

Stanislas reveals that he feels that he has been ready to make the step up to the next level and become a permanent fixture in the Hammers’ first team.

“I think I’ve been ready for a while,” he said.

“I’m not sure whether it is injury or lack of opportunity that has kept me back. But I am definitely ready to play.”

The winger also admitted that he was over the injury problems that frustrated him last season.

“I had a hernia and I had some fluid on my groin, but hopefully that has all cleared up now,” he said.

“Last season was mad. It was my worst season.

“We didn’t have our best season, but for me to be just sitting in that injury room and watching everyone else playing was not good for me, it was so mentally frustrating.

“But it’s all good now and I’m ready for the new season.”

Stanislas scored the opening goal of West Ham’s 3-0 pre-season win against Bishops Stortford on Saturday, and admits he is pleased with how his preparations for the Hammers’ Championship campaign are coming along.

“Obviously it’s good to get some games,” he said. “I was injured last season and we had our break as well, so it has been good just to be on the pitch playing again.”

The London-born winger, who has been at the club since the age of 10, also revealed that the atmosphere around the club has changed since Sam Allardyce came in as the team’s new boss.

“The atmosphere is a lot more positive,” he said.

“To be honest, we weren’t too bad last year mentally, but not many things were going for us.

“But I’m sure this year, things will be a lot better.”