Super Sub Jj Delighted At Win

ACADEMY striker Jack Jeffery came off the bench to help secure Tony Carr's team a 2-1 win in the FA Youth Cup Third Round.

The First Year forward tapped home Hogan Ephraim's cross to give Hammers a two-goal lead and although Luton came back with a goal of their own 10 minutes of time, West Ham United held out to book their place in Round Four.

Jack said: "I think overall it was a good performance. When Luton came back into it late on things got a bit edgy, but overall I thought we deserved to go through.

"Obviously I was disappointed not to start, but that's all a part of football really and something I had to accept. I still prepared in the same way as if I was starting the game.

"Then when you are on the bench it is just a case of keeping your focus and hoping that you get your chance. Fortunately I did and I managed to get the goal as well.

"We're not really worried about who we get in the next round. Another home draw would be nice, but we're not scared of anyone and this team has a great spirit."

Another of the First Years involved in Tony Carr's team, Jack admits it has been a lot different to playing as an Under-16.

He added: "I knew that it was going to be tough when I came onto the staff, because it is a lot different to playing as a schoolboy. But I think all the first year boys have got to grips with it and it's becoming very enjoyable.

"Obviously it is going to be enjoyable when the team is doing well and results are going for us at the moment. Pre-season was very tough for all of us, because none of the players had experienced anything like that. But now the group is settled down and everyone is enjoying it."

Jack, or JJ as he is known, had experience of playing at Upton Park from last season's Youth Cup when he was a schoolboy, but was delighted to get a bigger role this time around.

"I came off the bench against Southampton last season," he explained. "That night the game was all but over and Tony Carr just told me to go out and enjoy myself. But against Luton I had longer on the pitch and my aim was to make a difference to the side.

"My aim now is obviously to break into the starting team. It is different playing in a big stadium, but if you want to be playing football at a high level it is something you have to be able to get to grips with."