Baldock to fight for place

Sam Baldock is determined to prove that he is worthy of a regular role at West Ham, as they ready themselves for a Premier League return.

Striker determined to force his way into Hammers side

Sam Baldock is determined to prove that he is worthy of a regular role at West Ham, as they ready themselves for a Premier League return. The highly-rated striker linked up with the Hammers last summer after being lured away from the MK Dons. He netted five times in his first nine games, but saw first team opportunities dwindle as the season wore on. Baldock played a bit-part role as the Hammers secured promotion back to the top-flight through the play-offs, but is convinced that he can fight his way back into contention in 2012/13. "I don't see why I can't take this opportunity to stake my claim," said Baldock, who scored in a pre-season friendly defeat to Austria Vienna on Saturday. "Everyone knows that during the second half of last year I was very frustrated. "I'm a footballer who wants to play football at the end of the day. I've been working hard and hopefully I'll be given a chance to show what I can do."