Calleri vying for Hammers start against Sunderland

Deportivo Maldonado loanee Jonathan Calleri is determined to help West Ham end a testing season on a high and revealed that the Hammers’ upcoming clash with Sunderland this weekend may not be as easy as some fans might think.

The Argentine replaced Michail Antonio in the first half against Swansea at the weekend, after the England international injured his hamstring in a sprint down the left wing.

With Antonio still doubtful for Saturday’s fixture, Calleri looks to enter the squad and after coming close to a goal against Swansea the 23-year-old will be looking to get on the score sheet.

His first and only goal for West Ham came in their 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in January, and he has made only 11 appearances for the Hammers this season.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I think it was a good game, I can give a lot more but it is the beginning of something good,” said Calleri.

“We have six games left. As a player, I always try to do my best in order to play all the games.

“Saturday could be a chance for me to start the game and, if I do, I will try to do my best to be manager’s first choice to play.

“People might expect us to win at Sunderland, but it will be a difficult game. It is again the last team of the table and they have to win, so I expect them to give it everything to beat us.”