Lewis Page will fulfil a life-long ambition when he walks out to make his West Ham United debut against FC Lusitans tonight.
Academy Manager Terry Westley, who will be in the dugout for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie, confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the 19-year-old left back will be in his starting XI.
Page has been with the Hammers since the age of ten and aims to make the most of the opportunity that awaits.
“It means everything to know I’ll be making my first team debut,” he explains. “It’s everything I dreamed of when I was younger and to get an appearance for West Ham will be unbelievable.
“When we knew we were in Europe starting this early, all the lads were texting each other over the summer thinking we might get a chance.
“We kept ourselves fit and we want to take the opportunity with both hands. With 35,000 fans there it will be a great feeling – it’ll be different to Rush Green, but hopefully we will love the atmosphere and just play our football.
“It’s a big game for the Club and hopefully we can get the result we want. “
Page formed part of a group of experienced and youthful players who prepared for Thursday’s sell-out game with a training camp in Ireland – training which he says has set them up for action perfectly.
He explained: “It was a good week of preparation in Ireland. There’s been a good intensity to training, everybody looks pretty sharp and we’re all looking forward to the game.
“The first team players in the group have helped us through it. They’ve always been there to talk to and answer any questions we’ve got – they’re just a good bunch of lads.
“The new manager was watching last week and he’ll be at the game tonight so we’re all trying to impress. That’s the important thing, if we’re all fighting for places we’ll get the best out of each other.”
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