West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini says he trusts “great goalkeeper” Roberto to fill in for injured number one Lukasz Fabianski.
Pellegrini faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the hip problem Fabianski sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
The Poland international – the Hammers’ player of the season for 2018-19 – limped off with 34 minutes played at the Vitality Stadium, resulting in a Premier League debut for his 33-year-old deputy.
“Roberto is a great goalkeeper. He has a brilliant career in a lot of different countries,” said Pellegrini.
“I know him a lot, that’s why he came here.
“Now he has the chances because (before) it was difficult for him to play because of the performances Lukasz was having in every game.
“But I trust him a lot and I’m sure he will replace Lukasz in the way he knows how to do it.”
“Andriy’s a special player. I think that we brought him here because he’s a very technical midfielder, but in his complete career he always adds goals,” said Pellegrini.
“He was very unlucky last season.
“In his best moment he had that injury – his Achilles tendon – but he returned working very hard, so I am very happy for him with his performances because he is not only scoring, he doesn’t lose any balls during the game and he’s always working very hard.”
“He is a big player for us and obviously to have him back in the group is a huge moment,” Howe said of Francis.
“I still don’t think we’ve hit our best efforts yet. In terms of performance, I think we’ve got more to come.
“Some really good signs, but a lot of room to improve.”
