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McCarthy in determined mood

Image: McCarthy: Determined

Benni McCarthy has said he is determined to prove himself under Avram Grant at West Ham.

Striker hoping for Hammers impact

Benni McCarthy has said he is determined to prove himself under Avram Grant at West Ham. The 32-year-old failed to make an impact in a dismal season for the Hammers last term after arriving on the last day of the January transfer window. He made only five appearances for the club having been troubled by a persistent knee injury which led to him being overlooked by South Africa in the World Cup. Determined to put things right, he has made the trip back to Chadwell Heath early this week in a bid to be better prepared for training on Monday. Those extra preparations could prove crucial, with Grant making no secret of his desire to bolster his current squad, making competition for a starting berth incredibly fierce.

Something to prove

"I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans," he said. "For me, I am like a new player coming in, because last season I am writing off. "I have been training hard for two weeks now and it is all off my own back. "I am very determined and that is why I decided to come back earlier. "I wanted to make a fresh start - what I couldn't do then, I want to be able to do now." Grant has already brought in German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio and has made clear his intention of spending further. Nice striker Loic Remy and highly-rated Brazilian starlet Neymar are also said to be targets, whilst a fresh bid for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorans has been rejected. With so many new faces in the pipeline, McCarthy's number one priority is maintaining his fitness and avoiding a recurrence of that niggling knee problem. "The injury is completely fine and the weight is back to normal," an adamant McCarthy told the club's official website. "I have been following my programme since the end of the season. "It is the first time that something like this has happened to me and I need to make sure it doesn't happen again."

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