Elliot Lee

The 20 year old has long been talked about by West Ham fans as someone who could well make the step up to the first team and at some point between now and the end of May, they will probably get their wish.

If Sakho succumbs to another back injury or Cole flops like the fans expect, Allardyce may be forced to consider the untried option of youth.

There is no club with a greater history of breeding young stars than the Hammers and hopefully they are about to witness the birth of another.