Kaelan Casey has hailed West Ham United U18s for making a strong start to the 2022 Zlatý Kahan Cup.
The young Hammers saw off Viitorul Cluj with an impressive 6-1 score-line on Tuesday, before defeating host side Banik Ostrava 4-0 on Wednesday to finish top of Group A.
Kevin Keen’s young Irons will now head into another group of three teams, along with the winners of Group B and Group C, to play in a series of matches to determine the winners of the prestigious competition.
“It’s been a good start,” Casey said. “We’ve won our first two games. We’ve scored ten goals and only conceded one so it’s been a good start to the tournament for us so far.
“We’re going into another group now with the winners of the other groups. We’re hoping to do really well in this competition.”
Casey captained the U18s in their 4-0 win on Wednesday as a penalty from George Earthy and Gideon Kodua’s tap-in established a first-half lead for West Ham. Callum Marshall’s finish from the penalty spot and Lewis Orford’s first-time effort secured the win.
“It was hot against Ostrava,” the centre-back reflected. “It was conditions that we are not used to. They were a strong side and they gave us a good challenge, but I think our overall class showed through.
“It was really important to come out and get those two quick goals in the second half. At the end of the first half they were getting on top of us a bit, but we were able to calm it down a bit in the second and get those two goals.”
Casey was one of seven young graduates to sign their first respective professional terms in Claret and Blue over the summer.
The defender has worked across the U21s and U18s in pre-season and is enjoying the intensive work ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
He added: “It’s pre-season so obviously we are working really hard to get our fitness back up to where we want it to be. I think all the boys are doing well. We’ve done well in the games and training has been good as well.
“For me personally, it’s been a good summer so far. I got my pro deal signed and I’ve worked with the U21s and U18s. I’ve come out for this tournament and it’s good to get some game time in this competition.”
