Sam Allardyce challenges West Ham United to cope without Andy Carroll

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has challenged his players to prove that there is more to their squad than Andy Carroll.

The England striker is out with a hamstring injury, and Allardyce wants his players to show that they have the strength in depth to cope in the Premier League without their marquee loan signing.

He told Sky Sports News: "It depends on the likes of Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga stepping in and doing the business, making sure we use the strength of the squad when we need to.

"We have only got two players injured at the moment, a lot of other teams in the Premier League have more. If that continues, it will help us to be more and more consistent.

"Andy Carroll has only played 68 minutes for us. We have conceded just three goals, all at Swansea, and kept clean sheets in the other games."

The Hammers go in search of their third successive home win this weekend when they take on Sunderland.