'The talent is in the pipeline'

West Ham United's young guns can shoot into the thoughts of manager Sam Allardyce during the club's pre-season tour.

Rookie home-grown professionals Olly Lee, Cristian Montano, Jordan Brown, Robert Hall and George Moncur have all been included the squad for a six-day training camp in Switzerland.

Academy Director Tony Carr believes the quintet have a golden opportunity to push themselves into the first-team picture ahead of the 2011/12 npower Championship campaign.

"It's terrific for them and if you look at the squad as a whole, there is a fair spread of Academy players in it," said Carr.

"To even just get picked to go on the trip is an accolade, so they've got to go there, soak it up and if they do get an opportunity to go on the pitch, show the new manager what they are all about.

"He can look at them and, although they might not immediately be ready for the team, he can see that the talent is in the pipeline and ready to break through when needed."

The Academy Director also impressed the need on the young players to approach the tour with the right attitude, both on and off the pitch.

"They are at the sharp end of the game now, at first-team level, and performance and professionalism are vitally important," he added.

"Although it's the pre-season, gaining confidence and momentum that we will need to take into the season is always a good thing.

"They've got to show a good attitude around the senior players and, likewise, the senior players will set the example and standards for them.

"It's only six or seven days, but it is a great experience for them."