Josh Cullen remained at West Ham despite being loaned out earlier in the season.
David Moyes has claimed in his London Evening Standard that West Ham United youngster Josh Cullen has remained with the club instead of going on loan because of a lack of depth in midfield.
The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with Championship side Bolton Wanderers along with defender Reece Burke, before returning in January after making 12 appearances for the Lancashire-based club.
Cullen featured in all three FA Cup games during January – third-round tie and replay against Shrewsbury as well as the loss to Wigan – as well as being named on the Hammers’ bench for their last three games.
Moyes has now stated that Cullen has remained with the Hammers due to a lack of cover in central midfield, unlike Burke, Reece Oxford and Toni Martinez, and described the academy product as a “level-headed young player”.
“Reece Burke and Reece Oxford have gone back out on loan because we have some cover in that position, but Josh Cullen has stayed,” Moyes said.
“He has been on the road for a year and he wanted to stay. We like him, he’s a level-headed young player and I would have no fear about putting him on.”
Pedro Obiang has suffered a long-term knee injury, leaving just Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate as options with Edimilson Fernandes also sidelined. It could see Cullen act as first reserve.
The nine-time Republic of Ireland Under-19 international endeared himself to Hammers fans after having a tooth knocked out against Shrewsbury, but continuing to play on. He could feature against Brighton this weekend.
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