West Ham youngster Blair Turgott netted a superb hat-trick and there were also starts for first team defenders George McCartney and James Tomkins with both players seeking match fitness after spells on the sidelines.
Santiago had been released by Cardiff last summer, but the young Canadian stopper featured for the whole ninety minutes. After wild rumours circulating on Twitter that current QPR keeper and ex Hammer Robert Green was the man between the posts for the Irons, co-chairman David Sullivan's 13 year old son Jack confirmed on the social networking website last night that "Are (sic) trial GK was WAS NOT Robert green today in are Friendly with QPR today", and it became clear that Santiago was the man.
Conceding just one goal in the game could lead to a longer trial with the East End club, but for now it remains uncertain as to what his career holds for him. The Hammers are currently short on goalkeepers with just Jussi Jasskelainen, and Raphael Spiegel on the books as well as Stephen Henderson who is out on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town till the end of the season.
Santiago tweeted after the game today, saying "Really enjoyed getting 90 minutes and a 3-1 win for West Ham today at QPR at Upton Park. Some unbelievable finishes!! Whole team was great. Unbelievable work rate."
Just before 9pm on Tuesday evening, TalkSport reported that the ex Bluebirds man has been offered a trial period by the club; how long for will likely become clear in the coming days. West Ham are without doubt looking to fill the potential goalkeeping vacancy that may possibly be free come summer with Jaaskelainen ageing, but after a decent season in goal, no retirement plans have been mentioned by the Finn.
In recent days, the Irons have also been linked with Manchester United's Andres Lindergaard and Manchester City's Costel Pantilimon.
By Ben Edkins
@benedkins12
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