Jimmy Walker is set to make his long-awaited comeback from
a serious knee injury tonight, as the reserve team take on
Leicester City at Upton Park.
The popular goalkeeper starts between the sticks for the first time since the Championship play-off final last May, when he suffered a painful cruciate ligament injury just minutes before Hammers celebrated promotion to the Premiership with a 1-0 victory against Preston North End.
After enduring months of gruelling rehabilitation, the 32-year-old has finally received the all-clear to resume playing, and makes his return this evening in a strong side named by reserve coach Kevin Keen.
Also in action against the Foxes are defenders James Collins and Clive Clarke, while Shaun Newton and Carl Fletcher both start in midfield and Israeli striker Yaniv Katan plays before heading off on international duty at the weekend.
Kick-off at Upton Park is at 7.00pm, and entrance is via the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for under-16s/senior citizens, while season ticket holders can gain free entry.
Team: Walker; Andrews, Collins, Tomkins, Clarke; Newton, Fletcher, Baradji, Reid; Ephraim, Katan. Subs from: Welsh, Kemal, Cowley, Hines, Henry, Collison.
*Look out for an exclusive interview with Jimmy Walker on whufc.com later today, looking forward to his return from injury.
The popular goalkeeper starts between the sticks for the first time since the Championship play-off final last May, when he suffered a painful cruciate ligament injury just minutes before Hammers celebrated promotion to the Premiership with a 1-0 victory against Preston North End.
After enduring months of gruelling rehabilitation, the 32-year-old has finally received the all-clear to resume playing, and makes his return this evening in a strong side named by reserve coach Kevin Keen.
Also in action against the Foxes are defenders James Collins and Clive Clarke, while Shaun Newton and Carl Fletcher both start in midfield and Israeli striker Yaniv Katan plays before heading off on international duty at the weekend.
Kick-off at Upton Park is at 7.00pm, and entrance is via the Dr Martens Stand lower tier, priced at £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for under-16s/senior citizens, while season ticket holders can gain free entry.
Team: Walker; Andrews, Collins, Tomkins, Clarke; Newton, Fletcher, Baradji, Reid; Ephraim, Katan. Subs from: Welsh, Kemal, Cowley, Hines, Henry, Collison.
*Look out for an exclusive interview with Jimmy Walker on whufc.com later today, looking forward to his return from injury.