BT Sport pundit Joe Cole has urged West Ham’s board to ensure Michail Antonio’s future is secured following his performance against Burnley last night.

The Hammers were unfortunate to lose 1-0 and the 30-year-old was again one of the best performers despite ploughing a lonely furrow up front.

Cole says Antonio fully deserves to be given a new contract:

“This guy here (Antonio), he has been fantastic. He leads the line and he’s a nuisance. He’s getting into the box and behaving like a striker. And he’s been playing the role perfectly.”

“He has the ability to occupy a back two or three because of his physicality. I’m sure the club will be looking to tie him down to a new long-term deal.”

Despite his excellent form, the Irons have allowed Antonio’s current deal to run down into its final year. As it stands, he will be able to speak to other clubs in January about a possible free transfer next summer.

West Ham manager David Moyes has confirmed that the club will sit down with the player at the end of the campaign in order to discuss his future. At a press conference prior to the defeat to Burnley yesterday, the Irons boss said no decisions will be made about contracts before it is known what league the club will be playing in next season.