Craig Forrest reckons Jermain Defoe is going to be a huge star -
even if, as Glenn Roeder says, he will have to be patient.
Although the Hammers' boss has suggested that either Paul Kitson or Svetoslav Todorov will partner Paolo Di Canio at Anfield in the absence of the injured Fredi Kanoute, Craig reckons Jermain's time is not far off coming.
Craig played at Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday with Jermain in a 2-2 draw, and says:
"Jermain looked sharp; he really really reminds me of Ian Wright the way he finishes, hitting the ball very early.
"With some good coaching he is good enough to go to the top."
As Craig heads for Jersey, and the game against the Utrecht, he says:
"It's so far so good, we've been kicking along fairly well in the games, and we had a good spell at a health farm in Leicestershire.
"Everything is going as planned although we have a few more injuries than we would like.
"We are having to chop and change at the back which isn't ideal coming into the season.
"Things aren't coming together in the signing department, but it is not for the lack of trying.
"I know Glenn doesn't want to sign anyone just for the sake of spending money.
"Change is never easy but we have adapted very well, the mood is excellent, and Glenn has been very good with the players.
"Obviously as a goalkeeper I was disappointed with the David James situation, but that's no secret.
"Clearly, Glenn wants to stamp his own team on West Ham, and, as I said, it won't be lack of trying for him to get results.
"I have no quarrel with him; he is an excellent coach, and I hope the results reward his efforts.
"You aren't given much time to get things right, but I hope he does."
And the affable Canadian says of the draw in Dagenham:
"It was a busy night and after the first 10 minutes I thought it was going to be 5-0!
"They had some good shots early on but luckily I was warmed up enough to get my hand to them.
"But we produced some good play going forward; it's just a shame that we conceded some sloppy goals - which is usual for the reserve team at West Ham!"
Joe Cole will be involved against the Dutch, for his second appearance in four days, and Craig says:
"It was good for Joe to get half a game, especially as he was only going to play half an hour.
"But he felt good and I'm sure he will be ready for the start of the season."
John Moncur is available again after being ill.
Although the Hammers' boss has suggested that either Paul Kitson or Svetoslav Todorov will partner Paolo Di Canio at Anfield in the absence of the injured Fredi Kanoute, Craig reckons Jermain's time is not far off coming.
Craig played at Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday with Jermain in a 2-2 draw, and says:
"Jermain looked sharp; he really really reminds me of Ian Wright the way he finishes, hitting the ball very early.
"With some good coaching he is good enough to go to the top."
As Craig heads for Jersey, and the game against the Utrecht, he says:
"It's so far so good, we've been kicking along fairly well in the games, and we had a good spell at a health farm in Leicestershire.
"Everything is going as planned although we have a few more injuries than we would like.
"We are having to chop and change at the back which isn't ideal coming into the season.
"Things aren't coming together in the signing department, but it is not for the lack of trying.
"I know Glenn doesn't want to sign anyone just for the sake of spending money.
"Change is never easy but we have adapted very well, the mood is excellent, and Glenn has been very good with the players.
"Obviously as a goalkeeper I was disappointed with the David James situation, but that's no secret.
"Clearly, Glenn wants to stamp his own team on West Ham, and, as I said, it won't be lack of trying for him to get results.
"I have no quarrel with him; he is an excellent coach, and I hope the results reward his efforts.
"You aren't given much time to get things right, but I hope he does."
And the affable Canadian says of the draw in Dagenham:
"It was a busy night and after the first 10 minutes I thought it was going to be 5-0!
"They had some good shots early on but luckily I was warmed up enough to get my hand to them.
"But we produced some good play going forward; it's just a shame that we conceded some sloppy goals - which is usual for the reserve team at West Ham!"
Joe Cole will be involved against the Dutch, for his second appearance in four days, and Craig says:
"It was good for Joe to get half a game, especially as he was only going to play half an hour.
"But he felt good and I'm sure he will be ready for the start of the season."
John Moncur is available again after being ill.