Irons pride as eight Academy stars hit heights

Big signs that the Academy has sprung into something of which we can be justifiably proud have appeared during international fortnight.

After promotion last season the growing list of young representatives of their various nations can be seen right across the Hammers squad.

And academy director Terry Westley declared: ““The number of international call-ups for Academy shows where we are at as a Club, scouting, coaching and developing outstanding young players who are among the very best in their country.

“If you are in the England U20 squad like Oxford and Trott, or a Portugal U20 squad that won the European U19 Championship last summer like Quina, you have got a pedigree of player there that we can be proud of.

“Rice and Cullen are important players for Ireland U21s, who have made a terrific start to their own European Championship qualifying group.

“We also have Nathan Holland, who was on standby for England U20s, Dan Kemp called up for the U19s and Anthony Scully playing in midfield for Ireland U19s.

“The status of our players continues to rise and, as an Academy and as a Club as a whole, this is very encouraging and an endorsement of the work we are doing here at West Ham United.”

Rice and Bolton Wanderers loanee Cullen are in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for home Group 5 ties with Martin Samuelsen’s Norway on Thursday – who also host Germany in Drammen next Tuesday – and Israel in Dublin on Monday.

Nathan Trott and Reece Oxford, who is on loan at German club Borussia Moenchengladbach, are in the England U20 squad for friendly matches with Italy in Gorgonzola on Thursday and at home to Czech Republic next Tuesday.

It may not have been the greatest start at Premier League but things are looking very good  at our next level!