Alex Song’s decision to retire from international football can only be good news for West Ham United as he looks to prove himself at Upton Park.

The midfielder announced on Tuesday evening that he would no longer play for Cameroon and will therefore end his international career with 47 caps to his name.

The 27-year-old was left out of the Indomitable Lions’ squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations but it appeared as though manager Volker Finke was having second thoughts as he set up a meeting with Song to discuss his possible selection.

But the former Arsenal schemer returned to London to announce that his international boots have been well and truly hung up and his focus will now be on domestic matters with the Irons.

“My love for my country will never change,” he said on Instagram. “I want to take time to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United.”

The news will be music to the ears of boss Sam Allardyce, who expected to lose the Barcelona loan star for six weeks, and he may now have to temper his January spending accordingly.

Song will be available for the weekend trip to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea City as the Hammers, who are priced at 3.19 to take the points, look for their first top-flight win in four games.

The Welsh outfit, who are on offer at 2.25 to win, have won two and drawn one of the last four games to sit just three points behind West Ham in the table.