GIANFRANCO Zola insisted young striker Zavon Hines 'deserves the spotlight' after his last-minute goal gave West Ham their first home victory of the season.

Hines struck in the 93rd minute, his snap shot beating the diving Brad Friedel to earn the team all three points. Mark Noble had previously given the Hammers the lead on the stroke of half-time with a controversial penalty. Ashley Young missed his spot-kick after another dubious decision from referee Steve Bennett, but he made amends soon after, curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

But it was Hines that was to have the final say, wriggling free of the attentions of three defenders after collecting a pass from Scott Parker inside the area.

And Zola was delighted with the youngster's contribution, after he was thrown into the heat of battle after 32 minutes when Carlton Cole pulled up with a suspected hamstring injury.

“Zavon was good, but the boy, every time he plays, has been very, very good,” he said. “He gave us a fantastic victory and we are all very, very pleased for him and for us.

“He kept his composure in the middle of three defenders and he finished brilliantly. The boy deserves the spotlight.”

Zola also claimed Hines was ready to step in to fill the void left by Cole, who could be out for several weeks, depending on the severity of his injury.

“I think maybe before it would have been the case (that he wouldn't have been ready) but Zavon has been coming on and playing regularly,” he added. “He's played other games and he's done very well, so it's not a surprise any more. He's shown a lot of character and personality. Sometimes it can be the other way, but I don't think it's the case with Zavon.”