WEST Ham s latest rough diamond - Alessandro Diamanti - showed more than a glimmer of talent on his first outing in claret and blue on Tuesday night. The �6m signing from Livorno netted two stunning free-kicks as the Hammers battered Birmingham City 6-0 a

WEST Ham's latest rough diamond - Alessandro Diamanti - showed more than a glimmer of talent on his first outing in claret and blue on Tuesday night.

The �6m signing from Livorno netted two stunning free-kicks as the Hammers battered Birmingham City 6-0 at Upton Park.

Zavon Hines also enjoyed his evening with a hat-trick, while 18-year-old skipper Bondz Ngala netted, and Swiss international Valon Behrami made his long-awaited return after six months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

But it was Diamanti, playing in a free role behind Hines and Frank Nouble, who really caught the eye with an impressive display of playmaking.

The 26-year-old, who is yet to play a top flight match in his career, looked classy showing outstanding close control and a powerful shot with his left foot.

Reserve team boss Alex Dyer was also able to award debuts to Manuel Da Costa and Davide Ferrari.

Defender Da Costa, who joined from Fiorentina as part of a swap deal for Savio Nsereko, looked calm and composed in the Hammers defence, showing little of the nervousness that blighted his time in Italy.

And the 18-year-old Ferrari, on a season-long loan from Brescia, looked lively in his preferred role as an attacking right-back.

Hammers' coaching staff will now monitor the fitness of Behrami after his return to West Ham colours, but the player himself was delighted to be back in action.

"I enjoyed it a lot. For me, I've had a very hard six months," said Behrami.

"I am not scared about my injury. Now it is up to the manager what he is thinking about me.