West Ham boss Sam Allardyce told Razvan Rat he would have to wait for a place in the starting line-up. The Romania captain moved to Upton Park on a free transfer and has no issues with this approach.

"In principle, West Ham finished the last season well," the 32 year old told shakhtar.com

"The manager decided to leave Joey [O'Brien] on the left flank in the opening rounds of this league season. Even before the start of the season Sam Allardyce told me that in the opening rounds he would not field me in the starting line-up.

"This is normal. He wanted me to feel the atmosphere of the English Premier League - it's a new league for me and a totally different level. The coach explained to me that I should first get a feel for the English Premier League, and then he will play me."