West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has denied claims that he ignored Mauro Zarate due to personal reasons, instead saying that the striker has not been good enough to warrant a place in the team.
Zarate, who is nearing a loan move to Queens Park Rangers having undergone a medical at Loftus Road, took a parting shot at Allardyce by claiming that the Hammers boss did not play him because co-chairman David Sullivan was the man who brought him to the club.
However, Allardyce rejected that accusation and insisted that Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll had all contributed more than Zarate.
"What he's saying is not true. He wasn't good enough," Allardyce told reporters.
"When you look at what Mauro has achieved when he's played compared to what Valencia, Sakho and Carroll have achieved all-round... when you look at games, how much he's contributed, how much he's given in the all-round game, and what they've given and you've got that array of talent to choose from, then somebody's not going to be happy.
"Carlton Cole's sitting on the bench, not playing, not coming on. He's had probably more chances than Carlton Cole. Carlton Cole's one of my favourites. I love him, I think he's a fantastic pro – I think he's a great guy."
Zarate has made just eight appearances for the Hammers since joining the club in June, scoring two goals.
