SUNDAY S line-up may have left a few West Ham fans scratching their heads as youngsters Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne were both included on the bench. Stanislas had been an unused sub against Watford in the Carling Cup early in the season, but it was th

SUNDAY'S line-up may have left a few West Ham fans scratching their heads as youngsters Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne were both included on the bench.

Stanislas had been an unused sub against Watford in the Carling Cup early in the season, but it was the first time that Payne had been called up to the bench.

Central midfielder Payne, 18, made 13 appearances on loan at Cheltenham before Christmas scoring one goal, while Stanislas played nine games on loan at Southend United, scoring three goals and playing twice against Chelsea.

With Freddie Sears also on the bench, some might say that West Ham's squad is looking somewhat threadbare, but manager Gianfranco Zola is happy to go with the youngsters.

"The last few days we have been unlucky with injuries, so we're a little bit short in the squad, but that's the way we have decided to go until the end of the season," said the boss.

"There are a couple of young players and I'm sure they'll be good for the team as well.