Former West Ham United defender Slaven Bilic has backed the Hammers to stay in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League. 

The Irons have flourished in the top flight this season and are currently fourth in the table with Christmas on the horizon.

Bilic, who is the Besiktas coach, told the Daily Mirror: "I hope so [reach the Champions League]. Still, there is a long way to go. But you can't talk about 'early days' today. There are enough games.

"They are also doing well at Southampton. I think one of them can make it. Especially because those clubs, they are improving a lot.

"West Ham were struggling last year, okay, but they were very good in the [summer] market, bought good players and kept good players. And it clicked."