New West Ham signing Moses Ashikodi is in with a chance of breaking into the first-team squad, according to manager Alan Pardew.

The young striker has been cast out of the professional game after allegations of a training ground assault at his previous club, Millwall.

The 17-year-old has signed a one-year pro contract at Upton Park after impressing in two trial games this week.

And Pardew believes he can build on his brief first-team experience at Millwall with a crack at breaking into the Hammers' set-up.

"It's a great chance for him and a great chance for us," said Pardew. "He's an England youth international and he has some major quality.

"There was an indiscipline at Millwall and only time will tell if he can correct that here.

"Hopefully he has learned his lesson and will become an asset for us."

Published Friday August 6, 2004

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