Allardyce looking at trialists

O'Brien: Hoping to impress Allardyce and earn permanent deal

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has handed trials to Joey O'Brien and Hernani da Rosa.

Both men are to take in spells training with the club in an effort to earn permanent stays.

O'Brien is a player of considerable Premier League experience, having spent his entire career to date with Bolton Wanderers.

He was released over the summer after seeing his contract expire.

Da Rosa is a Brazilian defender who has most recently been plying his trade in Poland with Korona Kielce.

The 27-year-old was granted Polish citizenship in January and is hoping to force his way into their national side in the not too distant future.

Numbers

Allardyce could be tempted to add the pair to his Upton Park ranks, as he attempts to guide the Hammers back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

He is expecting to lose a number of his international stars before the transfer window slams shut, while 11 members of last season's squad have already departed.

With his numbers dwindling by the day, Allardyce admits he may need to bring in as many as eight fresh faces to ensure that West Ham are competitive in the Championship.

"That (the summer exodus) has helped the financial fall-out of being relegated but now, unless there are four or five of the young players ready to come in, we probably need to sign eight from outside," he told the Evening Standard.

Allardyce has also confirmed that he expects England trio Rob Green, Scott Parker Carlton Cole to soon be on their way back to the big time.

He added: "The three of them will all probably want to go to clubs in the Premier League if they can. We will just have to see how things develop."