PLAYER PROFILE

Yaniv Katan

Position: Forward

Height: 6'1

Weight: 12st 12lbs

Date of Birth: 1981-01-27 Kiryat Ata

Yaniv Katan

In January 2006 West Ham wrapped up the £100,000 signing of Israel international striker Yaniv Katan on a four-year contract from Maccabi Haifa.

The 24-year-old linked up with compatriot Yossi Benayoun at Upton Park and said he could't wait to get started in English football.

He told the club's official website: "It is fantastic for me that Yossi is here.

"We played together at Maccabi Haifa and for the national team. In fact, we roomed together on away trips with the national team, so we are very good friends and I have kept in touch with him since he moved to England.

"Of course, Yossi is one of the big reasons I came to West Ham United.

"I like to play as a wide attacking player, but the main thing I can tell the fans here is that I play for the good of the team and always give everything I have."

He got his Hammers career off to a good start, with eight solid appearances and will be hoping to expand upon that in 2006/07.