Josh Southon continues his occasional series in which he introduces followers to the highly talented Under 23 squad.

Highly rated Conor Coventry is a deep-lying midfielder who won West Ham United’s Dylan Tombides Award at the end of the 2017/18 season.

A Republic of Ireland U19 international, Coventry has an all-round game which enables him to both recover possession and put his team on the front foot with his accurate passing.

The teenager made his senior Hammers debut in the 8-0 EFL Cup third-round win over Macclesfield Town at London Stadium in September 2018.

Conor is very close to the first team and has been a squad member on various occasions but with so many midfielders available to him the manager may have to keep him waiting for his chance.

That could come against Oxford in the next round of the Carabao Cup with Nathan Holland – his under 23s team mate also possibly in the frame.

However with the manager keen to bring a trophy to the club next season he may stick with regular members of the first team squad.

Conor suffered various injury problems last season but has come back ‘as good as new’ and is determined to make hs name at the club having become involved with the first team squad at Rush Green.

At just 19 years old, has a bright future and if he can force his way through this highly talented squad then we will know the Irons have a real prospect in their hands.