Matthew Fry could be back in action for the West Ham United Under-18 side this Saturday as Tony Carr's team look to return to winning ways.
The 18-year-old centre-half has thrived this season, wearing the captain's armband for the Academy side and more recently making the step into the reserve team. Last week, he played alongside Josh Payne against Tottenham Hotspur and showed his versatility by switching to left-back for the closing stages. Although the youthful Hammers were beaten 3-1 by a more experienced Spurs team, Fry was upbeat.
He said: "It was brilliant. I have been trying hard all season for the Under-18s. It was a brilliant experience and to see all the boys stepping up is great. I thought we went out and did the business."
As a left-footer, the defender said he has been paying close attention to the likes of Matthew Upson in the senior squad and dreams of following in such illustrious footsteps in the years to come. "I am trying to learn as much as I can from bigger and better players and take what I can from them into my game.
"Playing in front of crowds and more experienced players is brilliant and I just want to get out there and keep doing my thing." He could get another chance to impress for Alex Dyer's second string on Monday night when West Ham United reserves travel to Barnet to face Arsenal reserves.
* West Ham United Under-18s play host to Portsmouth Under-18s from 11am at Little Heath on Saturday. As usual, whufc.com will have a full report and reaction after the game.