Savio set to shine

Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to seeing Savio make the next step at West Ham United in the coming campaign after a lively introduction to life in England.

The manager can be seen discussing his Germany Under-20 attacker on WHUTV as part of exclusive footage from a recent disabled fans forum held at the Boleyn Ground. The well-attended event saw the manager and Jack Collison field questions on a range of issues. Check out the video now on WHUTV to see for yourself, just click here....

One of the questions for Zola was about his January signing Savio. He was asked what his plans were for the exciting youngster who made eleven appearances for the club in all competitions and produced a couple of memorable vital late assists at the Boleyn Ground in the draw against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and the Premier League win against Manchester City. Savio had burst on to the continental scene the previous summer as player of the tournament at the UEFA European U19 Championship.

Still only 19, Savio arrived from Brescia Calcio with the manager predicting a bright future for a player who was snapped up quickly to beat off interest from the Serie A elite. Part of a promising crop of players aged 24 or under - including Valon Behrami, Jonathan Spector, Mark Noble, James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison, Josh Payne and Freddie Sears, who is set to sign a loan move next week for the coming campaign - the manager said the youngster has learnt a lot in a short space of time.

"Savio is a boy who came from a totally different league with a lower standard so had a few problems at the beginning trying to establish himself," Zola said. "He was used to playing at very low rhythm, so he had time on the ball and would get two or three seconds before someone was going to challenge.

"In the Premier League it is totally different, you don't have the ball and already someone is challenging you - but he is catching up. He is only 19. He is a player that I believe is going to give satisfaction to the supporters. We need to be patient with him because he needs to adapt. He has got quality and believe me is going to be an important player."