Ben Johnson hasn’t shied away from stating he wants to keep his place in the West Ham first team.

The Academy graduate has been called into action recently following the illness to Vladimir Coufal, with Johnson in at right-back for the recent draw to Brighton at the London Stadium.

Johnson admitted though that he has had to be patient for his chance, and now he has seen some minutes of late, is keen to retain his place – with one eye firmly on our FA Cup clash with Bristol City on Sunday.

“Congratulations to all the boys for what we’ve done over the Christmas period as it’s been a successful one,” Johnson told the clubs Official Website.

“When we don’t play we work hard, we train well and are professional so that, when the time comes and the manager needs us, we take the opportunity

“I’ve had a couple of appearances in cups and in Europe, but to play in the Premier League is just so different as the competitiveness and the intensity are why we do this job and why we enjoy football.

“To get my first start of the season is just a good feeling and the hard work I’ve put in over the last few months has paid off.”

“It’s just about finding that rhythm again,” said Johnson. “It’s a competitive squad and it’s not like I expect to play every week, but when there’s an opportunity for me to come in and play and help the team I’ve got to be bang on it and be as concentrated as I can.

“I want to keep my place in the team, keep going and get as many games as I can for the rest of the season and to play in all the competitions is good, so I’m looking forward to the game on Sunday.”