After completing his first 90 minutes for the reserve team on Thursday, Mladen Petric has high hopes of securing a first team place with the Hammers.
The 32 year-old Croatian scored against London neighbours Charlton as he made his first full appearance since last November. That was when his ex club Fulham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Stoke and was the only time Mladen Petric managed 90 minutes in a game in his season at Craven Cottage.
Mladen Petric has given West Ham a boost with his fitness
The Croat came to the Hammers on a one-year deal last September and has since made three substitute appearances for the east London club.
This is good news for Allardyce as the club is thin on the ground regarding the striking department as Geordie Andy Carroll is still out of action.
The Hammers had to play last week at White Hart lane without a recognized striker, although it didn’t matter too much as the boys buried Tottenham by 3 goals to nil including Ravel Morrison’s wonder goal.
Petric spoke to West Ham TV after his game against Charlton: “It was a good day; I played 90 minutes after a long time which was very good for me and of course I’m glad to score a goal but it’s only a friendly, so it doesn’t count for too much.
“It was good, not just for my fitness, but some other players as well and it was very important to get 90 minutes.
“I feel better and better each day and I don’t think it’s long before I will feel 100 per cent fit.
“My fitness is much better than when I started three weeks ago. I saw how big the difference was between me and the other players and now I feel like every day that difference is getting smaller and smaller.”
This is good news for the Hammers and it looks like Mladen Petric is not far off full fitness. Once back in the saddle, the forward will give the Hammers a much needed leg-up and if Carlton Cole steps up to the plate, then West Ham will have something in the striking department while they wait for Carroll.
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