The former striker turned pundit, Tony Cascarino believes West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere is currently offering very little in the middle of the park for the Hammers.

The ex-Arsenal star has started both games this season, but Cascarino thinks the 27-year-old is struggling for form following a long spell out with injury, and he doesn’t know if the former England international will be able to get back to his best:

“Jack isn’t up to speed, he isn’t really capable of catching people who run behind him. Now I’m not sure you can ever discover that after a number of injuries as you have to be good without the ball.”

“If you can’t contribute defensively, win balls, make tackles, then you’re a problem to your team, especially against the top-six, they will hurt you. So I think there’s a real issue about how he can find a formation that suits Jack.”

It’s early days in the season so Cascarino’s words are somewhat harsh, but after a poor start to the campaign, manager Manuel Pellegrini can’t afford to wait too long for Wilshere to find his feet.

Captain Mark Noble is now back fit following a few weeks out with a dead leg. The experienced midfielder is likely to take Wilshere’s place in the side when he’s ready to return. If that happens, then Wilshere may have to be patient for his next chance in the first team.