George McCartney of West Ham celebrates at the end of the game - Blackpool vs West Ham United , npower Championship Play-off Final at Wembley Stadium, London - 19/05/12 - MANDATORY CREDIT: Rob Newell/TGSPHOTO - Self billing applies where appropriate - 0845 094 6026 - contact@tgsphoto.co.uk - NO UNPAID USE..

West Ham full back George McCartney is hoping to make his loan move from Sunderland a permanent one now the Hammers have been promoted

George McCartney’s arrival as a 54th minute susbitute was one of the defining moments of Saturday’s play-off final clash with Blackpool.

Before that, Tom Ince has been causing all sorts of problems down the right, including scoring the equaliser, but after the Sunderland loanee came on, he was barely a threat again.

“It was a tough day,” admitted the 30-year-old. “Blackpool played really well and created a few chances.

“I didn’t think I would get on as early as I did, but it was great to be out there, we kept it tight at the back and thankfully we got the winner.”

McCartney can count himself unlucky not to start the final. He has been a stalwart of the Hammers team this season and only an injury put him on the sidelines.

“I was having a good season until the Birmingham game where I got concussion and when I came back the manager kept the same team.

“So I can’t get too disappointed, because I have played my part this season. I have played 40/41 games this year and I am delighted.”

Now McCartney is already looking towards next season and he hopes a permanent move to Upton Park from the Stadium of Light.

“Of course I would like to be here next year,2 he confirmed. “I have regrets about leaving a few years ago and I have got the opportunity to come back and things have gone really well.

“So hopefully in a few weeks’ time when everything has settled down we can sort something out.”