Ryan Fredericks has talked of his love for playing for West Ham and his development as a full back in the game.

Fredericks has seen the majority of his time at West Ham so far hampered by injuries, although when he’s been called upon when available there have been signs of a bright future ahead.

“Obviously, I always want to play more games,” said the defender. “But all you can do is come in and try and play well when your opportunity arrives.

“It’s always incredible to play for West Ham. I think you get caught up in things sometimes.

“As the years go by you can take it for granted a little bit, but especially when you see the youngsters coming in, and how hard they work to get a game, it makes you really appreciate it again.”

In his time as a professional Fredericks has seen his position develop into a much more offensive one in the game, and it’s a growth that Ryan relishes and wants to continue to progress in.

“Not a lot of full-backs stay in their own half these days, or are asked to just defend for 90 minutes. Every full-back now wants to get forward, create chances and make assists.

“They’re almost like the new wingers now. Wingers these days often play inside, and then full-backs play like wingers.

“I became a full-back a long time ago, when I was at Tottenham Hotspur as a kid, under Tim Sherwood, Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand,” he explained.

“All my coaches there saw what I was doing on the wing – keeping wide and always moving up and down – and said: ‘Yeah, we think you’ll be perfectly suited for the new mould of full-backs who are coming into the game now. We think that role would be perfect for you’.

“Thankfully, it’s done me well!”