West Ham United

Sam Allardyce: 'Ravel Morrison is a big risk'

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 16 March 2012

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce admits that it would be a "big, big risk" to throw Ravel Morrison into first-team action against Leeds United this weekend.

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that it would be a "big, big risk" to throw Ravel Morrison into first-team action against Leeds United this weekend.

The controversial 19-year-old, who signed from Manchester United last month, scored twice for the reserves earlier this week.

However, Allardyce is still undecided whether to give the midfielder his full debut in place of the injured Ricardo Vaz Te.

"A player who plays well and scores a couple of goals is making himself available to be selected, but he hasn't had any first-team experience - that is the problem," said the Hammers boss.

"We have to make sure we do all we possibly can to get automatic promotion and if you're going to risk a player who has never, ever played at this level of football, it is a big, big risk.

"If it comes off, you are a hero; if it doesn't come off, you get severely criticised for not doing your job properly."

West Ham are currently third in the Championship table.