West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

McCartney makes progress

20 Sep 2006 - 16:59:39

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Northern Ireland defender George McCartney has finally been cleared to start his West Ham career after struggling with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old left-back agreed a four-year contract with the Hammers in early August, but remained with former club Sunderland to continue treatment on his injured knee.

However, McCartney has now passed a second medical at Upton Park and is looking forward to challenging for a first-team spot.

He told the club's official website: "I think I am about two to three weeks from getting back into full training.

"I will play some reserve games to get me back to full fitness, then it will just be a case of pushing for the first team.

"It was strange how things happened when I first signed, still being up in Sunderland for my treatment.

"But now I have been down here for a couple of weeks and I just want to put my head down and work hard at getting into the first team."