Reid set for lengthy lay-off

Winston Reid could be out for several weeks after dislocating a shoulder against Bristol City last night.

The New Zealand international, who was beginning to become a regular fixture in Sam Allardyce's first team fell awkwardly after defending a cross in the opening minutes of the Championship fixture, that ended 0-0.

After receiving several minutes' treatment on the pitch he was immediately substituited and left the field of play clutching his left arm.

Speaking to reporters after the game, manager Allardyce confirmed the bad news. "He's been to hospital and the dislocated shoulder has been put back into place," he said - before revealing that he would be using the forthcoming two-week international break to find fresh blood.

"It will be another search in the loan market very, very quickly to see if we can find a quality player who will help us with the numbers at the moment," said the Hammers boss.