Hayden Mullins is prepared to stay at West Ham and fight for his place - for now.

The midfielder, who has been linked with Charlton Athletic, told the Echo: "For me its just a case of waiting for a chance to get back in.

"When the manager came in we was on the back of some good results and we were fourth in the league. I wasn't first choice then. Since he's come in we've had two good results - the Newcastle and Fulham games - but it was a blip against Bolton so there was no need for him to change it really.

"I'm just knocking on the door and if I get my chance I've got to put in a performance."

And Mullins is conscious of the fact that he does not want to run the risk of upsetting new boss Gianfranco Zola by making immediate demands on the Italian.

"I haven't spoke to him personally as yet because he's got to get his feet under the table first and get to know everyone," he added.

"I don't really want to go and knock on his door and ask why I'm not playing. It's just a case of waiting for my chance.

"Hopefully it'll come soon. If I get my chance I have to take it, and if I don't we'll have to see where that leaves us."