The 32-year-old Rat has signed for West Ham on a free transfer from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.

Rat will add experience to West Ham's side and he is likely to compete with Irishman George McCartney for the left-back position.

And Rat is excited to make his debut and put on a West Ham shirt in a competitive fixture for the first time.

Rat told West Ham TV: "First of all I am very happy to wear a West Ham United kit.

"For me it's an honour to wear this shirt and to play in the Premier League. I will be very proud to wear the claret and blue colours and I hope to satisfy the fans.

"I'll be very excited when I pull on the kit for the first time, because it will be my first game here."

Rat's first West Ham appearance is likely to come on the opening day of the 2013-14 Premier League season when his new side host Cardiff City at Upton Park.