West Ham midfielder Nobby Solano admits he was delighted to score against Sunderland in their 3-1 win.

Solano says playing a part in West Ham's decisive second goal against the Black Cats on Sunday was extra special because of his Newcastle United links.

The Peruvian had two spells on Tyneside and was one of three former Magpies players barracked by the away end at Upton Park, along with Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy. Solano's 78th-minute shot hit the post and went in off Craig Gordon's leg.

"It was very pleasing to score against Sunderland," he admitted. "Lots of my friends from Newcastle sent me text messages and they were delighted for me to score against them.

"I'll try to claim the goal, if it hadn't hit the goalkeeper it probably would have come back to me, but the win was the most important thing."