‘Hammer on Champions League door’

DAVID MOYES has challenged his West Ham players to show they are capable of sustaining a push for Champions League qualification this season.

The Hammers boss praised the way they battled back from falling behind twice away to Newcastle on the opening day of the season, insisting they were well worth the 4-2 scoreline.

Leicester visit the London Stadium tomorrow night, where 60,000 home supporters will finally get the chance to watch a team reinvigorated by Moyes.

The Scot (below) pointed out that Brendan Rodgers’ men finished just a point ahead of them in fifth last season, and was also keen to remind doubters of his players’ credentials that Chelsea were only two clear in fourth.

“I think for us, maintaining the levels and improving on them is what we have to try to do. Maintaining is probably where we are at, at the moment, and where we are going to try and build on that,” said Moyes.

“We want to improve on it. Leicester finished a point above us, Chelsea two points above us, so there are two targets right away. If we could try to get another couple of points or even one more point, which would have got us another place up the league.

“It was a big test for us, going to St James’ Park with 50,000 Geordies in the stadium and we handled it really well. I hope now we can perform as well in the London Stadium.”

The arrival of Jesse Lingard on loan provided a spark for West Ham in the second half of last season. His future at Old Trafford is still uncertain and Moyes was reluctant to add fuel to the fire.

He said: “He’s not my player, he doesn’t play for my club so I can’t give you anything. He’s a Manchester United player. The best person to ask is Ole.”