Graham Potter names "fantastic" West Ham star who'll "get even better"

West Ham United boss Graham Potter feels he’s seen plenty of progress in his first few months at the club but is targeting further improvement as the Irons prepare to take on Newcastle United on Monday night.

The Irons head into the game after beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and Leicester City at the London Stadium. They won both of those games without conceding a goal as they now like to make it three wins for the first time since Potter joined the club.

With the club out of both domestic cups, many eyes will be looking ahead to next campaign and the long-term targets for the club. However, the task at hand is to win as many games as possible as Potter continues to implement his style on the squad.

Potter looks ahead to Newcastle

The Magpies take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in their next game after facing West Ham but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has already insisted his full focus is on getting a positive result at the London Stadium. The north east outfit have lost three of their last four games in all competitions and haven’t kept a clean sheet since beating Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

“They’re in the top six of the table, they’re fighting to qualify for the Champions League, and they’ll be looking for the best possible way to prepare for their cup final. So, I’m expecting a tough game against a highly-motivated team. They’re well-organised, and they play with huge intensity,” said Potter on the West Ham club website.

“I only know Eddie [Howe] from playing and managing against him. I’m good friends with a member of his staff, but while I don’t really know Eddie personally I have huge respect for him and for what he’s done at various clubs, how many years he’s been in the Premier League, the type of teams he has produced and what he’s achieved. He had a bit of time off when he left Bournemouth to refresh and regenerate, and I think he’s come back stronger. The job he’s done at Newcastle speaks for itself, from where they were to where they are now, so yeah I have huge respect for him.”

Praise for “fantastic” Bowen

West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen was the hero for West Ham against Arsenal as he breached the home defence just before half time in that victory. The player missed all of West Ham’s games in January through injury but has scored twice in his last four appearances.

Potter said: “Jarrod’s been fantastic. He’s only human, and when you have a number of weeks off, it’s hard to expect that you’re going to be on your absolute top form in your first game or two back.

“I think he’s contributed to the team in a really good way since coming back, and there’s still room for him to improve which is really exciting. He’s always a huge influence on the team, and to have him on the pitch is massive for us.

“It’s credit to him and how he conducted himself throughout the rehab process that he’s come back in such a good way. I think he’ll get even better as he continues to build his rhythm with more games and training, so yeah we’re delighted with him.”

In other news, Graham Potter could get a reunion as West Ham are reportedly 'working on deal' to appoint an ex-Newcastle Utd and Manchester United man.