Michail Antonio: he was barred from entering the UK after passport blunder

WEST HAM star Michail Antonio has revealed the passport nightmare that prevented him from playing for Jamaica during the international break.

The Hammers striker was visiting his academy in Ghana and planned to fly via London to meet the Jamaican squad for Tuesday's match against the United States.

He lost his British passport and traveled to Africa with his Jamaican documents.

But he was not allowed to return because Jamaican passport holders need a visa to enter Britain.

Antonio said: “So I got stuck in Ghana. I have been given an emergency passport to return to Britain.

“Then I couldn't get a visa to fly to America because I couldn't get a visa on my Jamaican passport.”

Antonio has earned 21 caps for Jamaica, scoring five goals.

He has played nine of West Ham's eleven Premier League games this season.

But his only goal of the campaign came in a 4–1 win over Ipswich on 5 October.

Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has been tipped to replace Antonio in Julen Lopetegui's side.

But the Germany international, 31, has not featured since the end of August due to an Achilles tendon injury.

West Ham are languishing in 14th place ahead of their trip to Newcastle on Monday.

Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes, is already under pressure in his first season at the club.

The Hammers have won just two of their last ten games in all competitions.