Substitute Zavon Hines was West Ham's matchwinner against Aston Villa and could now be set for a run in the team after England striker Carlton Cole suffered a hamstring strain.

Cole was forced off in the first half of West Ham's 2-1 home victory over Aston Villa last night but Hines proved more than an able deputy when he scored the winner in stoppage-time.

"Every time I play Hines he's been very good," said Zola. "He just needs to keep working the way he is doing. I am very pleased for him and for us. But he deserves to be in the spotlight.

"The team is playing better and this may well be the turning point."