Academy stopper Rihards Matrevics is looking forward to the U18s' test against Man City this Saturday
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics is looking forward to testing himself this weekend as the U18s face Manchester City in the play-offs.
The young Hammers finished fourth in their league table, thus qualifying for the higher level of the final stages, but have a tough test on their hands in the shape of the Citizens.
The Manchester side topped their northern division, clinching the title just in front of Everton who came second.
And Matrevics, who has just returned from international duty with Latvia, believes his side are capable of overcoming City on Saturday.
“We’d all like to finish in the top spot and we all think we are capable of doing it,” he said.
“We’ve got some hard games coming up but if we play to our best we can do it.
“Overall, we are a very young side but we are also confident and believe in ourselves collectively and as individuals.”
Having signed for the Hammers back in September, Matrevics has been working hard at the Academy of Football and has earned his place in Steve Potts’ side.
He continued: “I’ve played four games for the U18s now, and it’s a good experience. We’re having a good season so far so it’s good to be part of the team.
“It took a little while to get used to living abroad but I really like it, and I really like the way people approach football here, it is very professional and I am enjoying it.
“We’ve got a lot of talented young goalkeepers here at the Academy, and we all help each other out. I think competition for places helps get the best out of each of us, it certainly does for me.”
The young Hammers finished fourth in their league table, thus qualifying for the higher level of the final stages, but have a tough test on their hands in the shape of the Citizens.
The Manchester side topped their northern division, clinching the title just in front of Everton who came second.
And Matrevics, who has just returned from international duty with Latvia, believes his side are capable of overcoming City on Saturday.
“We’d all like to finish in the top spot and we all think we are capable of doing it,” he said.
“We’ve got some hard games coming up but if we play to our best we can do it.
“Overall, we are a very young side but we are also confident and believe in ourselves collectively and as individuals.”
Having signed for the Hammers back in September, Matrevics has been working hard at the Academy of Football and has earned his place in Steve Potts’ side.
He continued: “I’ve played four games for the U18s now, and it’s a good experience. We’re having a good season so far so it’s good to be part of the team.
“It took a little while to get used to living abroad but I really like it, and I really like the way people approach football here, it is very professional and I am enjoying it.
“We’ve got a lot of talented young goalkeepers here at the Academy, and we all help each other out. I think competition for places helps get the best out of each of us, it certainly does for me.”