West Ham Academy star Ollie Scarles is setting himself high targets this season following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.

The 18-year old defender, who is only recently returning to action following a long-term injury lay-0ff, is currently with the 1st team and is not shying away from his desire to step into a more senior role at the club this season.

“It’s been a really good experience so far, and having a lot of the Academy boys out here as mates has probably made it better, and it’s a chance to get in front of the new Head Coach and show him what I can do before the start of the season,” Scarles told the clubs Official Website.

“The heat here makes you tired more quickly, but it’s about adapting to the conditions and playing football.

“I got injured in March and that’s given me a chance to build myself up physically and I think I’ve done a good job of that. I’ve had a lot of time to be able to put on a bit of muscle and that’s going to help me in my career and on the pitch as well.”

Scarles though acknowledges the magnitude of his injury, so therefore knows its  process to get back to full fitness, all the while trying to show Lopetegui he is a player he can consider soon ready to make that step up in the coming weeks and months.

“I’ve obviously just come back from injury, so it’s about getting in front of the new Head Coach and make sure I try and impress him as much as I can in training and in any pre-season minutes that I get to then hopefully be part of the squad and get minutes here and there in the season,” added Scarles.

Fans may well have their chance to see Scarles in action this Saturday when our Hammers take on London rivals Crystal Palace in our next pre-season friendly of the summer, although we are all now gearing up for the return of Premier League football in just a few weeks time.

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