Cresswell eyes belated first appearance at West Ham’s new home

Injury has limited West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell to a watching brief so far this season, but the defender is desperate for his first run out at the London Stadium.

The 26-year-old was one of the Hammers’ star performers last term, missing just one league game as they achieved qualification to the Europa League.

However, a knee ligament injury suffered in pre-season has sidelined the former Ipswich left-back this far.

Cresswell though, is in line to play some part in Saturday’s trip to London rivals Crystal Palace.

And with Sunderland then the visitors to east London, Cresswell is eagerly anticipating his return.

(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“I played in the final ever game at the Boleyn Ground and was then looking forward to playing the first game at the new stadium, so to miss it was a big blow,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to walking out the tunnel in front of 60,000 fans and it is something you dream of. I am looking forward to playing my first game there.

“The new stadium is fantastic and when you look around the place it is everything that you could ask for.

“I can just imagine when we have the really big games and I know the atmosphere is going to be unbelievable and it will be special.”