Sam Allardyce surprised by Diafra Sakho impact

Sam Allardyce has admitted that it has been a pleasant surprise to see Diafra Sakho make an immediate impact in the Premier League after he helped West Ham United to a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

Sakho scored in the win at Upton Park to make it five goals in as many matches since his move to East London, and Allardyce was quick to heap praise on the 24-year-old.

"I would have seen Sakho as being a player, coming from the French second division, playing maybe 10 to 15 games for us and finding out about the Premier League," the Hammers boss told reporters.

"But he is so desperate to do well and his runs are so good at the opposition's defences and he seems to have the knack - and that's the hardest knack of all - of turning up in the right place at the right time.

"So that's fantastic for him and absolutely outstanding business for us at West Ham."

Sakho scored 20 goals to guide Metz to the Ligue 2 title last season.