West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is happy with the appointment of Gianluca Nani as the club's first technical director.

"I don't think anyone is thinking of anything other than progressing," Curbishley said.

"That's why we're looking at this technical director and everything else - because I firmly believe that when I have everyone fit we have an opportunity to push forward."

Other homegrown talent currently in the squad includes Mark Noble, who has praised the work of the academy for developing players.

"We've just got to nurture them and hope they can get into the team," he said. "I think it's all down to the academy.

"They teach you how to play the game properly."