Academy forward Ahmed Abdulla has revealed his ambition to earn an international call-up from Saudi Arabia.
Abdulla, who turns 18 in November, was born in the Arab Kingdom and lived there with his family until the age of eight, when he moved to England.
Now, with his parents still living in the country, the teenager is aiming to catch the eye of the Saudi Arabian Football Association and earn his first call-up to the Falcons' Under-20 squad.
At the same time, Abdulla is also planning to surpass the achievement of legendary Saudi striker Sami Al-Jaber, who appeared at four FIFA World Cups between 1994 and 2006 and also spent eight months on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2000/01 season, by being a success in English football.
To do so, the north London-based Abdulla knows he will have to impress for Tony Carr's U18 side, starting in Saturday's FA Premier Academy League meeting with Southampton at Little Heath.
"One of the Saudi Arabia players, Sami Al-Jaber, came over when he was at the top of his game and played for Wolves. He is the all-time best Saudi Arabian footballer, but he didn't quite make it in English football and didn't play too often. I'd love to be able to make it at the top level myself.
"It would be good for me to get a call-up. My Dad is Somalian and my Mum is from Yemen, but I and all my brothers were born in Saudi Arabia, as my Dad moved over there to work.
"I was born there and I lived there until I was eight and my parents still live there now. I speak fluent Arabic, as well as English. I am living with my brother in England at the moment."
The Hammers take on the Saints looking for their first victory since defeating Everton on the opening day of the season back on 22 August.
Since then, Carr's side have been beaten by Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City and Ipswich Town, and drawn with Cardiff City.
However, they will be hopeful of getting back to winning ways against a Southampton team beaten 5-2 at home by Charlton Athletic last weekend.
Saturday's match at Little Heath kicks off at 11am. Admission and parking are free.