Slaven Bilic was full of praise for Andy Carroll after the striker’s brace led West Ham United to a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.

The in-form number nine continued where he left off last week, taking his goal tally to three in his last two games, as the Hammers produced an impressive away performance.

After overcoming an early season injury, Carroll is enjoying a prolonged run in the starting XI for the first time this campaign and Bilic has been impressed by the 28-year-old.

He said: “Week in week out, he is a brilliant player. Not only goals, he makes an impact with his presence.

“His work rate is quality and he is unbeatable in the box. It is very hard to stop him. He loves it, he gives everything. Hopefully he is going to stay fit.”

The win takes West Ham up to 10th in the Premier League and they have found the net three times in both of their last two matches.

Their current form is in stark contrast to the manner in which United started 2017 as they failed to win their first two games of the year.

Bilic believes confidence is returning to his side and feels the London Stadium club are beginning to build some momentum.

He said: “It was a good week for us after Palace, the confidence we played with, and we used that momentum to come here and put out a strong performance and get three massive points.”

The Croatian will hope the Hammers can maintain their form when they face Manchester City in their next match on February 1.