Hammers fine hitman Benni

Published Sep. 14, 2010 3:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

The South Africa international was reportedly hit with the fines after missing a series of deadlines imposed by the club. McCarthy has made just seven appearances for the Hammers and failed to score since joining the club from Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window. The Daily Mail reports that McCarthy is now back from a fitness clinic in Austria, where he lost two stone, and is now under the club's 85kg limit. McCarthy's weight problems meant he missed out on a place in South Africa's World Cup squad this summer. The player's improved fitness means he could return for West Ham in their Carling Cup clash against Sunderland next week.