Source: PA
McCarthy keen to make Hammers impact
Benni McCarthy is determined to make a major impact at West Ham next season - but looks set to face competition in attack as new manager Avram Grant aims to strengthen the squad.
The 32-year-old South African failed to make it into the World Cup party this summer but has returned early to Chadwell Heath to make sure he hits the ground running when pre-season training resumes in earnest from Monday.
McCarthy managed only five appearances for the Hammers and failed to score after being signed by former boss Gianfranco Zola from Blackburn during January after being troubled by a knee problem.
Grant, meanwhile, is keen to bolster his attacking options, with £10million Nice striker Loic Remy and highly-rated Brazil Under-17 international Neymar both reported targets.
McCarthy told the club's official website: "I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans. For me, I am like a new player coming in because last season I am writing off. I have been training hard for two weeks now and it is all off my own back.
"I am very determined and that is why I decided to come back earlier. I wanted to make a fresh start - what I couldn't do then I want to be able to do now."
