According to the reliable @ExWHUemployee on Episode 61 of the West Ham Way radio show, West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic isn't picking in-form starlet Toni Martinez for the first team as he doesn't believe he is good enough yet.

The Irons' 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday increased the pressure once again on Bilic after a brilliant Carabao Cup win against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley days earlier, with his team surrendering a two-goal lead and giving away a 96th minute equaliser against the Eagles.

Despite his fine form for the U21 and U23 sides this term Martinez hasn't been involved with the first team at all, even when both Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll were absent for the 3-0 home defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion.

His exclusion has been particularly confusing and frustrating for the London Stadium faithful, and Bilic is missing a trick by not letting him feature in his match day squads.

Here are three reasons Bilic is getting it so wrong by ignoring Martinez…

Goals

With 10 goals in their opening 10 Premier League matches this season and with Javier Hernandez, Carroll and Sakho scoring just four of those, it is clear to see that Bilic would probably benefit by having more firepower in the squad.

The brace that Martinez netted in the 3-1 Checkatrade Trophy win against Bristol Rovers in the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday took his tally for the campaign to 11, and continued his prolific form in front of goal for the U23 side.

He certainly has that goalscoring touch and he could offer a different option from the substitutes’ bench when the Irons need to find the net.

The fans love an academy player

Bilic certainly isn't popular among the majority of the West Ham fan base right now considering some of the poor performances and results they have witnessed since the start of last season, and the Croatian boss is certainly missing a trick by not giving Martinez an opportunity.

All football fans love it when a youngster from the academy gets a chance in the first team – especially one that has been so prolific – and while Bilic may see it as a risk that he can't afford to take right now, it wouldn't even be much of one considering he is 20 years of age and could be partnered with an experienced player like Carroll or Hernandez if needs be.

Confidence

While a number of West Ham senior players seem to be suffering from a distinct lack of confidence right now – especially after the demoralising collapse against Crystal Palace – Martinez could prove to be a breath of fresh air if he was brought into the first-team squad.

The 20-year-old seemingly can't stop scoring right now and his positive mentality and self-belief could provide a boost to a manager and players that have appeared to be quite forlorn in recent Premier League matches.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.