Harry Redknapp has revealed how West Ham had serious doubts that Michael Carrick would ever make it as a footballer.

Three years ago, Carrick was a tall and gangly 16-year-old who looked too thin and weak to play football.

But the Hammers kept faith as Carrick matured from an ''ugly duckling'' into a classy midfield player who now stands on the verge of his first England call-up.

''I must admit that three years ago I looked at him, and he was about 6ft 3in and seven stone, and he struggled to run around a football pitch,'' said Redknapp.

''We really did have big doubts about him. We had big hopes for him when he first came here, but then we all had a spell where we had our doubts. He was getting problems with his legs because he was growing so fast - he completely outgrew his strength.

''But suddenly he developed. He filled out and got stronger and he has turned into a super player. We gave him time and he blossomed.''

West Ham pinched Carrick from under the noses of his boyhood idols Newcastle.

He was a product of the famous Wallsend Boys' Club, which set Alan Shearer, among others, on his way.

So Carrick will need no extra motivation when he returns to his native North-East today for West Ham's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Sunderland.

Redknapp explained: ''Jimmy Hampson, our director of youth development, did a great job by getting Michael here when he was only about 12.

''He really liked it here and every school holiday he would come down and train with us.

''He is still a big Newcastle fan so he is looking forward to the game because there is a lot of rivalry with Sunderland.

''Michael has been a real bonus this season. I was hoping he would come in and be part of the squad and keep progressing, but he has become a regular and it is good to have him developing on those lines.

''I ask him to do a really responsible job. He has to hold for us because we have got Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, who like to get forward. He runs with people and heads balls and is a mature player.

''He has got every chance of getting in the England squad, he is a class player.''

While Carrick's international chances are looking good, the season is over for fellow England hopeful Trevor Sinclair.

Redknapp was planning to put Sinclair on the bench at the Stadium of Light, but he broke down in training yesterday and will now undergo an operation on his troublesome knee which will rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

West Ham's only doubt is veteran defender Stuart Pearce, who is carrying a thigh strain, but Redknapp is optimistic he will be fit to play