Sam Baldock willing to fight for West Ham United place

West Ham United striker Sam Baldock has said that he is willing to fight for a starting place at Premier League level for the Hammers.

The 23-year-old struggled to maintain a regular spot in Sam Allardyce's first XI after joining from MK Dons last summer.

"I don't see why I can't take this opportunity to stake my claim," said Baldock, who scored in a pre-season friendly against Austria Vienna on Saturday.

"Everyone knows that during the second half of last year I was very frustrated.

"I'm a footballer who wants to play football at the end of the day. I've been working hard and hopefully I'll be given a chance to show what I can do."

Following their promotion straight back to the top flight, West Ham welcome Aston Villa to Upton Park on the opening day of the new season on August 18.