Nene set for debut against Palace

23 February 2015 02:47

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will hand Nene his debut against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The 33-year-old Brazilian forward arrived last week on a free transfer but was not deemed ready for a place in the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham.

But an injury to Carlton Cole, who hurt his hamstring after coming off the bench at Spurs, has reduced Allardyce's options and he has promised Nene a first taste of English football against Palace.

"Nene would have probably featured anyway but he will definitely be involved now because we're down to the two strikers with Andy Carroll's injury and Carlton Cole's new hamstring problem," said Allardyce.

"(Strikers) Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho did a fantastic job - like the whole team - against Tottenham. It was just a shame we were not all going out celebrating another victory against Tottenham."

Source: PA