West Ham Premier League 2 striker Djair Parfitt-Williams revealed he is fully fit and ready to push for a starting place in Terry Westley’s outfit this season.
The Bermudan forward, who spent the majority of the summer recovering from a pelvis injury, is now back in action for the U23 side and played in their recent clashes against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wycombe Wanderers.
Having scored eight times for the Development Squad last season, Parfitt-Williams is keen to get back on the scoresheet this campaign after a tough off-season break.
He said: “My main target now is to push on and try and play as many games for the Academy sides as possible and push towards that first team or go and get out on loan somewhere.
“It was obviously difficult being injured over the summer. It was mentally really hard seeing everyone getting great opportunities with the first team, training with them, but I just wanted to encourage everyone.
“I knew I would come back soon and be able to be involved.”
The Development Squad enjoyed a positive campaign last season, topping off the term by winning the Premier League Cup after a two-legged final tie with Hull City which the Hammers eventually won on penalties.
Parfitt-Williams was key to the side’s success in the competition, scoring four goals including the first leg’s only goal against the Tigers, and he believes the side could enjoy similar achievements this year.
“Hopefully we can do well [in the Premier League Cup again this season],” he continued. “Every game and every cup we play in, I will just be trying to do my best for the team.
“I mean, if goals come, that’s a plus, but it’s all about the team for me.
“I did well in front of goal last season, so of course the target is to do so again this year. I personally think that it’s the most important thing for a player in my position, to go and score goals. So, that’s the big target.”
West Ham PL2 next face Aston Villa away from home on Monday after a period without a game due to the international break.
With the side third in the table, just one point off Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion above them, Parfitt-Williams hopes to establish his place in the side once again to help his team push on.
“Hopefully I can be pushing to start for the upcoming games,” he said. “I’m fit to play now.
“I need to work hard in training so that the manager can pick me.”
