Exactly two years ago today, Mark Noble staked his claim for a place in the West Ham United first team by scoing in a 3-0 FA Cup third round win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
That goal, Noble's first for the Hammers, was the first of a flourishing career that has seen the Canning Town-born player cement his place in the senior set-up. On Saturday, the 21-year-old midfielder was on target again as West Ham overcame Barnsley by an identical scoreline to set up a fourth round visit to another League One side, Hartlepool United.
"I must admit I didn't think of it like that [the fact he had scored in the FA Cup third round before] and I scored in the last one as well. It's nice to get in the hat for the fourth round. That was the main thing. I thought the boys did well and showed that we're really putting a run of form together and we can win games."
Noble's goal against the Tykes came from the penalty spot after he himself had brought down by Barnsley defender Mounir El Haimour. It was the first penalty the club had been awarded since the Academy graduate converted a nerveless last-minute spot-kick to earn a 1-0 Premier League win over Liverpool on 30 January last year. As the Hammers' nominated penalty taker, Noble insists nobody else will be taking over the responsibility - unless he misses, that is!
"I said to the boys after that no one is getting a penalty unless I miss one and crossed fingers I don't miss. There might be a chance in the future where I will miss. It might happen. The more you take the more chance there is you're going to miss but I feel confident every time I step up and gladly that one went in."
Noble's goal was a reward for an impressive all-round performance against Barnsley which had also seen him set up the Hammers' opener for left-back Herita Ilunga. The England Under-21 international was delighted to start what promises to be a busy 2009 so well. With girlfriend Carly expecting the couple's first child in March and Mark himself likely to spend the summer at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden, Noble knows he is set for a few sleepless nights over the coming months. Having recovered from recent injury problems, he is relishing the challenge.
"I had a calf strain that set me back. I had played every game up until then. That set me back but now it's a case of getting back to full fitness and getting up to game pace and I slowly feel like I'm getting back to that now. It's a long season and you've got to keep your feet on the ground and just keep working hard. I'm sure we'll do that and keep putting the wins together and keep pushing up that table as far as we can."
"My girlfriend is seven months pregnant and she falls around the end of March so it's going to be a tough three or four months for me. With the pre-season, the championships and the little 'un coming I'm looking forward to it. I's all part of growing up."