Michail Antonio has urged West Ham's players to 'step up' during Dimitri Payet's absence through injury.
The Frenchman has been an integral member of Slaven Billic's side this season but has been ruled out for three months with the ankle injury he sustained prior to the international break.
The 28-year-old is West Ham's top scorer with five Premier League goals this term and his absence is expected to leave a creative void in the Hammers' midfield.
Antonio is disappointed that Payet will not feature until the New Year but is hopeful that his spell on the sidelines will give others an opportunity to prove their worth.
“Dimitri has been absolutely superb so far so he will be greatly missed.
"It’s time for the other boys to step up," he told the club's official website.
“Dimitri getting injured is a great loss, as well as Enner [Valencia], but their absence gives other players the chance to become a star of the club and allow them to show what they can do."
Antonio, who signed for the east Londoners from Nottingham Forest in the summer, has played just 31 minutes of top-flight football this term.
Five key issues for West Ham during the international break
The 25-year-old is not concerned about his lack of game time and is willing to wait to earn his chance to impress.
“When I joined, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to break through and stake my claim in the Premier League.
"It’s one of those things where I need to wait and bide my time.”
