West Ham United striker Mladen Petric has insisted that it won't be long before he is challenging for a place in the club's starting lineup.

Petric is continuing to improve his fitness after signing for the Hammers last month, and after completing 90 minutes for the reserves, the Croatian attacker has revealed that he is close to being ready to make his first start for the Upton Park outfit.

The 32-year-old told West Ham TV: "It was a good day. I played 90 minutes after a long time which was very good for me and of course I'm glad to score a goal but it's only a friendly, so it doesn't count for too much.

"It was good, not just for my fitness, but some other players as well and it was very important to get 90 minutes.

"I feel better and better each day and I don't think that it's long before I will feel 100% fit."

Petric was released by Fulham at the end of last season, after scoring five times in 23 Premier League fixtures.