West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the progress of his young players this season.

Already this season, six Academy graduates - namely Mark Noble, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears - have played under Zola, while goalkeeper Marek Stech, defender Bondz N'Gala and versatile Josh Payne have all made it to the bench.

Zola told whufc.com: "The young players are an important part of the project we are taking forward but we need to use them at the right time and at the right moment. We have got a clear idea of what we are going to do.

"I have seen a few new players so I can have a better idea of what they can give me and also where they need to improve. I am going to be working on that and it is important for me for the future."