Albian Ajeti is looking forward to being given another opportunity to impress Manuel Pellegrini when West Ham United visit Oxford United in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
The Switzerland international’s only previous appearance in Claret and Blue came in the second round of the same competition, where the Hammers won 2-0 at EFL League Two challengers Newport County.
And Ajeti, who has won the Swiss Cup and featured in the UEFA Champions League for his previous club FC Basel, is relishing the chance to show his qualities in a knockout competition again, when the Irons take on the U’s at the Kassam Stadium.
I’m waiting for every game, for the cup games and even in the Premier League. The coach knows it and he can put me in any game he wants
Albian Ajeti
“I feel in myself that the coach [Pellegrini] trusts a lot in me and I trust him too, and he knows I’ll do everything to get my minutes on the pitch,” said the 22-year-old, with a steely determination. “The coach knows my qualities and I have big self-confidence and believe I can rise to every challenge.
“It’s just important to continue to do my work as well as I can and hopefully more opportunities will come. I am ready, and the coach knows he can put me in every game.
“I’m waiting for every game, for the cup games and even in the Premier League. The coach knows it and he can put me in any game he wants.”
Should Ajeti start against Karl Robinson’s League One side, he could either replace Sebastien Haller as West Ham’s lone centre forward or line up alongside him in attack.
Whatever option Pellegrini chooses, the youngster says he enjoys working on his game with the more-experienced Frenchman.
“We have a very good relationship, because he is someone I can speak to in French and this makes things easier,” the No27 confirmed. “It’s fun to work with him.
“We are two strikers and it’s possible to play with two strikers sometimes, although this is the decision of the coach!”
