Holmar Eyjolfsson made a triumphant return to action after playing an influential role in the reserve team's 1-0 win against Arsenal on Monday night.
The Iceland Under-21 international's performance was all the more impressive considering it was his first full 90 minutes since October. The central defender has been sidelined for much of this season with injury and his last taste of action came in a reserve game against Fulham in January.
"It was brilliant, especially as I'm coming back from injury after such a long time out," Eyjolfsson said. "I played 70 minutes against Fulham in January but the before that I've been out since October so I haven't had many games since then so it was lovely."
Eyjolfsson was reunited with fellow central defender Bondz 'Gala at the heart of the Hammers defence and the pair immediately demonstrated why their fledging partnership has shown such promise by keeping the Gunners at bay. He said:"It was brilliant. I love playing with Bondz as we connect well and we've got a good understanding."
Signed by West Ham United from Icelandic side HK Kopavogur in July after spending a week on trial five months earlier, Eyjolfsson has been impressive in five reserve and four youth team appearances so far. Now the 18-year-old wants to follow in the footsteps of 'Gala - who was named as a substitute against Stoke City in the Premier League in December - and force his way into Gianfranco Zola's first-team plans.
"I've played about three games for the Under-18s but that was a long time ago so it's good to be able to step back up to reserve team level and push on. For the rest of the season I want to train as hard as I can and try to get in the first-team and see where it takes me."