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Michail Antonio told to up his scoring rate but then be ready to play at right back

Michail Antonio has been told to up his scoring rate — and then get ready to become West Ham’s emergency right back.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini used the 28-year-old as a striker against Manchester City last week and is set to switch him to the right wing for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.

But regular right back Pablo Zabaleta, who will be 34 next month, cannot play two games a week, summer signing Ryan Fredericks is injured and Sam Byram is on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Michail Antonio has been told he is needed to attack as well as defend for West Ham

And that means Antonio could be switched to the back in Tuesday’s home game with Cardiff.