West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has insisted that the team deserves to be in fourth place in the Premier League table.

The Hammers boosted their hopes of European qualification on Saturday with a 2-0 win at home to struggling Leicester City.

Despite doubts over whether Sam Allardyce's side can hold onto fourth spot for the remainder of the season, Kouyate believes that they are worthy of their position.

"Saturday was an important win and it was tough until the very end because we were faced with a team who desperately want to win points," he told the club's official website. "Fortunately, we scored in the first half, which has made the game easier and we took the three points.

"We deserve to be fourth, it's more than deserved. We've worked hard throughout the season and done everything to keep this place."

West Ham are back in Premier League action on Boxing Day when they travel across London to title favourites Chelsea.