WONDER KID Manny Omoyimni last night pleaded to be included in West Hams Sunday line-up and declared: I can fill John Hartsons boots and get the goals to put us in Europe.
Two thrilling strikes, including a dramatic last-minute equaliser from supersub Omoyimni salvaged West Hams dreams of a UEFA Cup spot in a chaotic last half hour at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.
West Ham have their 19-year-old star to thank for keeping alive their Euro hopes as he scored twice to save the Hammers blushes. His first senior goals for the club.
Now it is set up for a final day crunch against Leicester at Upton Park. Any two of West Ham, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Derby and Leicester can creep into Europe depending on results on a last day that will shred nerves.
Omoyimni insisted: I know what I can do and Im the man to get the goals against Leicester.
Its been tough without suspended John Hartson but I know I can take a leaf out of his book and do a great job for the Hammers if I get the chance.
Ive never had a start for the club Ive always come on as sub from the bench and that has been frustrating.
But I know Im good enough to play in the Premier League and this could be my big chance. Omoyimni was a toddler when West Ham were knocked out of the Cup Winners Cup by Dynamo Tiblisi in the quarter-finals in 1981 the last time they played in Europe.
The permutations belong to a mathematician but Wednesday night belonged to 5 foot 4 inch Nigerian Omoyimni.
He added: I grew up in the youth team with Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard and they have both made the breakthrough. Its time I did the same.
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