George Earthy has called on West Ham United U21s to carry the momentum from their midweek win at Walsall into Saturday’s Premier League 2 fixture with Manchester City.
Earthy started for the development side away to the EFL League Two team in the Papa Johns Trophy on Tuesday, helping the Hammers to a 1-0 victory at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
The 17-year-old enjoyed his outing against the EFL side and wants to see the young Irons bring the same energy into this weekend’s match against the reigning Premier League 2 champions.
“The Walsall match was a good win against a strong side, a good side, a physical side,” Earthy told whufc.com. “So, it was important we came away with the three points after the run we have been on.
“It’s always good to get a good challenge in and now we’ve got another big one against Manchester City.
“We will see what happens. Beating Walsall was a massive win, a massive boost for team morale, and hopefully we can carry it on at the weekend.”
The versatile midfielder enjoyed the challenge of stepping up against mature and experienced league opposition on Tuesday, and is relishing his opportunities in the U21s.
Earthy hopes another comes his way on Saturday at the City Academy Stadium.
“Walsall was definitely a different ball game to the U21s games and Premier League 2,” he added. “You have got to move the ball quicker and try not to get involved with them when it comes to tackles and challenges, because if you get involved with them it is not going to work out for you.
“We wanted to keep moving the ball quickly and we did that really well I think, particularly in the first half. We need to take that into City now.
“I am enjoying every moment in the U21s and trying to embrace it. I want to keep working hard and keep moving forward and getting as many minutes in the U21s as I can.”