Diafra Sakho praises Andy Carroll influence

Diafra Sakho has praised the influence of West Ham United teammate Andy Carroll following Sunday's win over Swansea City.

Carroll scored twice and set one up for Sakho as the Hammers continued their strong start to the season with a 3-1 victory at Upton Park.

With the England forward having recently returned from a lengthy injury absence, Sakho believes that he can strike up a good partnership with the 25-year-old.

"It's always great to play with someone of his calibre," he told the club's official website. "I'd watched him on the television and to play with him on Sunday makes me proud. It motivates me to give even more to help everyone.

"It's very important to command respect at home, because the target is always to win, but in a manner at home. I think we've shown everyone here that to come here is not easy, even to take just one point."

West Ham are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.