When Nathan Holland was left out of the West Ham United squad for the trip to Newport County many fans were not happy.
Holland is highly rated at West Ham.
The likes of former youth coach Jack Collison have given Holland top billing. Collison tipped the former Everton youngster to be the next Academy star to make a first team breakthrough, read full story here.
But at 21 Holland is no spring chicken and is approaching a crossroads for his career.
Injuries have held him back. And reports claimed Pellegrini IS a fan despite the cup snub.
Sometimes fate conspires to give a player a big chance.
And it is surely make or break for Holland in the wake of the injury sustained by Michail Antonio in midweek.
The initial outlook is not good with some claiming the hamstring injury will keep Antonio out for at least three months.
Antonio injury leaves Pellegrini short of key commodity
That leaves Pellegrini short of a key commodity for any Premier League team. Pace.
Holland has that in abundance.
So he must channel all his energy into impressing in training and taking his chance should it arrive during Antonio’s lay-off.
Holland must take big Hammers chance
West Ham have a host of very similar technical midfield players.
Holland’s speed and direct style could be just what Pellegrini needs.
Cometh the hour cometh the man.
Time for the talking and hype to stop and the player to step up to the plate and make a name for himself.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
