West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has praised midfield pair Matthew Etherington and Hayden Mullins for their early season form.

"Since Luis (Boa Morte) came in there's been a bit of a tussle between the two of them but he (Etherington) worked hard in pre-season and, just like Lee Bowyer recently, Matty's grabbed his opportunity," said Curbishley.

"Hayden Mullins has also seen me go out and sign players yet he's managed to stay in the side too and I'm delighted for the all boys who have come into the team because they've really stepped up to the plate."