West Ham United Football Club

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

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35595

Stech beginning to impress

06 Aug 2008 - 15:05:42

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West Ham United's teenage goalkeeper Marek Stech has been tipped to be a big hit at Upton Park in the very near future.

The 18-year-old Czech made his debut in a pre-season clash with Southampton last Friday and Irons goalkeeping coach, Ludek Miklosko, has already been impressed by Stech.

He told the Epping Forest Guardian: "He knows the areas he needs to work on, but, on the whole, I would have no hesitation in putting him into the team in the Premier League.

"He's got a very good chance to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League."

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is also pleased to see Stech settling in well, adding competition to Robert Green and summer recruit Jan Lastuvka.

He added: "I've brought in another experienced goalkeeper, Jan, because Richard Wright leaving has left us a little bit short there, but we've all got really high hopes for Marek.

"He's signed a long-term contract with us and I'll think he'll be forcing the issue. Ludo is very pleased with him."