EMENIKE REGRETS MISSING OUT ON HAT-TRICK

Emmanuel Emenike got his first goals for West Ham United on Sunday as the Hammers thrashed Blackburn Rovers 5-1 at Ewood Park to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

His debut goal for the Hammers on 64 minutes saw him latch onto Cheikhou Kouyate’s pass before smashing home past Jason Steele in the Blackburn Rovers.

His second was a beauty as he sprung the offside trap, proceeded to bamboozle Steele with a step over before firing into an unguarded net.

The Nigerian striker however felt he could easily have scored more goals in a sumptuous performance by the Hammers.

“I could have had more but I want to thank god for today and for the victory. I also want to thank the management.

“The game was open when it was 10 against 10 and we could have scored more. I am happy with my goals and for the team,” the attacker told the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.

West Ham United captain, Mark Noble, has nothing but praise for the way Emenike has settled into his new surroundings and took his chance straight away.

“Obviously we lost out on Andy (Carroll) during the week but Emenike has come in and has been great for us today (on Sunday).

“I have said what I think about him. He is a top player and a top pro. To be fair Dimitri has been there and scored goals but Emenike has come in for his first start and to get a couple of goals in the FA Cup is fantastic for him.

“He has waited a long time to get this move into the Premier League and I am over the moon for him. You can see how happy he is,” Noble said.