John Hartson praises Alex Song impact at West Ham United

Former West Ham United striker John Hartson has praised the impact that loan signing Alex Song has had on the team this season.

The experienced midfielder joined the Hammers from Barcelona over the summer on a year-long deal.

With West Ham enjoying a solid start to the new Premier League campaign, Hartson believes that Song can take plenty of credit for their recent run of form.

"He's got great experience. He's fantastic at sitting in front of the defence. He can maraud around the midfield, he's good on the ball and he's another presence on the pitch," Hartson told the club's official website.

"I think the new signings have all been very good additions to the squad. Song, obviously coming from Barcelona, has played at the biggest stage. He'll help the younger players in the squad too which can only be a good thing for the club."

West Ham return to action after the international break when they travel to Burnley in the league on October 18.