‘I’m sure’: Ben Johnson thinks £7m West Ham United player is going to break back into Moyes’ starting line-up soon

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Ben Johnson has backed forward Michail Antonio to break into the West Ham United starting line-up again.

Johnson was speaking to the club’s official website ahead of West Ham’s clash against Liverpool.

The Hammers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing draw against Southampton at the weekend.

Johnson started as part of a back-three at the weekend, returning to the starting line-up after missing West Ham’s last five league games.

One player who was unable to return to the starting line-up was Antonio.

Moyes went with Gianluca Scamacca as his starting centre-forward for the third straight league game.

Antonio kept up his record of playing in every league game this season, but was handed his shortest cameo yet.

Moyes brought him on the last three minutes, but Johnson has back Antonio to break into the starting line-up again soon.

Antonio will have his chance again – Johnson

Speaking ahead of West Ham’s visit to Anfield, Johnson said: “Luca (Scamacca) has been a fantastic addition and I think competition in all areas of the pitch makes you play better.

“For Mick (Michail Antonio) as well, whenever Mick has come in in Europe and in the Premier League as well, he has looked very sharp since Luca has come and I’m sure he’ll have his chance starting again or even playing with both of them up front.

“He brings us a different option to Mick and I think that’s what you need in a squad.”

Antonio arrived at West Ham from Nottingham Forest back in 2015 for £7m.

Initially signed as a winger, Antonio played all over the pitch for West Ham before starting up-front when they were struggling for goals.

Antonio had to cope with the pressure of being the only recognised forward at the club for a while.

Scamacca’s arrival has certainly relieved some of that burden.

However, Antonio will be hoping he can break into the starting line-up in the Premier League again soon.

He wasn’t fully fit against Fulham and Moyes was wary of playing Antonio against Southampton.

He may need to rediscover his best form in the Europa Conference League first.