Premier League: Antonio Nocerino joined West Ham to aid World Cup push
Antonio Nocerino is hoping to enjoy a productive loan spell at West Ham and force his way into Italy's World Cup squad.
Last Updated: 17/02/14 4:00pm
The combative midfielder completed a move from AC Milan towards the end of the January transfer window and will see out the season at Upton Park.
He has been eased into English football by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, making four substitute appearances so far.
It is the 28-year-old's intention to soon step off the bench and into the starting XI, with a desire to take in regular football having driven his switch from Serie A.
Nocerino believes that if he can convince Allardyce that he is deserving of a prominent role in his Premier League plans, than a seat on the plane to Brazil this summer could also be within his reach.
A man who has been capped on 15 occasions by his country told Radio Deejay: "I hope this spell with help me get back into the Italian squad.
"One of the reasons I came to West Ham and to the Premier League is to play on a regular basis.
"My first objective is to play for West Ham and help the club move up the table.
"From that, if I am playing well and I get picked to go to the World Cup in Brazil, that will be an added bonus."