West Ham’s Cresswell grateful for Walters battle

Full-back Aaron Cresswell insists if you want to test where your fitness levels are, mark Jonathan Walters for 90 minuntes.

The 26-year-old played the full game for West Ham as he continues his return to full fitness after suffering a knee injury in pre-season.

And having come through unscathed he believes he is almost back to his best, even if Stoke’s Walters had proved a worthy test in the 1-1 draw.

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“I feel good now,” he confirmed. “I was up against Jonny Walters, who is probably the most energetic player I’ve ever played against, as he’s constantly running and never gives up and credit to him.

“Me personally, I feel good and it’s just about getting back to fitness and I feel I am there.

“It was very frustrating and disappointing, with us getting the lead, but then conceding the goal in the manner that we did.

“I don’t think we were our usual selves. We managed to create enough chances to score the goals to win the game, but we didn’t manage to do that.”