Sylvestre pushing for regular U21 spot

Having impressed on his debut, Noha Sylvestre is looking forward to facing the Baggies
Having made his debut for the Development Squad in their 1-0 away win over Swansea City, 17-year-old midfielder Noha Sylvestre is hoping to be involved in the young Hammers’ tie with West Bromwich Albion on Monday 7 December.

Usually deployed as a central midfielder for the U18s, the Swiss youth international excelled on the right-wing on a wet and windy day in South Wales. Jordan Brown’s 60th minute strike help the Hammers to their fourth win in five games.

Reflecting on his debut, the midfielder said: “I think I played good, I’m happy with myself; I gave 100% in the game which was important for my debut, it was a great experience. The standard is very different from the U18s, and I hope I will play a lot more games.

“Playing for the U21s is something that has been in my mind for a long time ago, it has always been my objective for this season, now the big step is trying to stay in the team.

“Afterward I spoke to my teammates about the game, and I think they were happy with me, I thought I played well so I was happy.”

So far this season, Sylvestre has been a mainstay of the U18s’ side, playing 14 times, scoring once in the process.

Now having had a taste of U21 football, Sylvestre is hoping to establish himself as a regular in Terry Westley’s side.  

He continued: “It was really different playing on the right wing but I asked the coaches and some of the players who usually play on the wings so that helped, you have to play there more regularly to really know the position but I thought I did well.

“The big step now is to stay in the team, that’s my main aim for the rest of the season.”

Looking ahead to Monday’s game with the Baggies, the Dev Squad have won five of their last six games and are looking to avenge a 2-1 opening day defeat.

Sylvestre finished by stressing that confidence among the Dev Squad was high: “The run we’re on is very good for confidence, five wins out of six shows that we’re onto something good and we all want to maintain this run.”

The Development Squad host West Bromwich Albion U21 on Monday 7 December at Rush Green Stadium. Kick off is 7pm and admission is FREE for all fans.