Ant man a superhero

DAVID MOYES is confident of unleashing a supercharged, super-fit Michail Antonio on the Premier League this season.

The Hammers hitman, 31, has fired 20 league goals across two campaigns during Moyes’ second spell at the London Stadium.

However, those numbers could have been so much better had Antonio managed to steer clear of persistent injury setbacks.

But, ahead of today’s trip to Newcastle, Moyes (inset) revealed he is optimistic those frustrations are in the past.

The Irons boss said: “He has got a few goals and should get more goals.

“Mick’s biggest thing is getting his fitness right.

“But I think there’s a new Michail Antonio out there, who is fitter, more professional in his day-to-day work and in understanding what he has to do to be in good condition.

“Hopefully, we get the benefit of that this season.”

Despite the Hammers’ failure to add more firepower to support Antonio (right) – Jesse Lingard and Tammy Abraham are proving too expensive – Moyes remains in a bullish mood.

The new campaign may include a first foray into the Europa League for the Irons – but he believes competing for the top six again is ❱ SKY SPORTS very much within their remit.

“Progression is now for that level of consistency to remain,” he said.

“We did a great job but have to be careful that the expectations on us are not so great that they are too difficult to match.

“But we’re positive. We fancy our chances.”