West Ham full back George McCartney knows he faces difficult afternoon when he comes up against Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon.

Stopping the speedy Spurs winger is one of the keys to victory against the north Londoners and the Northern Ireland international is wary of the extreme pace.

“I have played against Aaron a few times and I know how quick he is,” McCartney said.

“It is different than when you are up against a midfield man who is playing wide.

“A real winger like Aaron will just stay out there waiting for the ball and it is hard to close him down straight away.

“With his pace, he can be very dangerous.”

The defender had encouraging words to say about under-fire star Andy Carroll, who is still without a West Ham goal since joining on loan from Liverpool.

“Andy had done a great job for us and any player is disappointed to be taken off,” McCartney added.

“But he is a great lad, very down-to-earth. He gives 100 per cent every game.

“I would back him to get goals and it won’t be long before he gets the first one.

“I am sure he will then go on a run.”