For West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce only survival matters this season.

Hammers defender George McCartney, 31, has revealed there is little room for flair in ­Allardyce's blueprint for success - and admits they are already gearing for a survival scrap.

He said: "It will be a tough campaign as there are no easy games. At times we will have to grind out results but the lads and all the staff will work through it to make sure that happens.

"This season is all about consolidating Premier League football. We aim to have a good, solid season. If we do that, we will have already started building towards a successful future."