Matthias Fanimo is eager to make up for lost time and the disappointment of missing out on appearing at two major international tournaments.

Having enjoyed a superb opening half of 2010/11, during which the winger netted five goals in 16 youth team appearances and forced his way into the reserves, Fanimo was sidelined with a leg injury in March.

The setback forced the 17-year-old out of action during the final two months of the season, causing him to be omitted from England's Under-17 squad for the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup finals at that age level.

While Fanimo was understandably downhearted at being absent from the competitions, he is ready to return to action in pre-season and enjoy a successful 2011/12 campaign.

"It was a disappointment that I wasn't there with England at the World Cup, but I've got to look forward from now because maybe other opportunities will come," said Fanimo, who captained England U16s to Victory Shield success 18 months ago and has been capped nine times at U17 level.

"Hopefully I can get through the new season without being injured so that people can see a bit more of me, which I'm looking forward to.

"It has been difficult to deal with that disappointment. Because I'm at a young age, I was looking forward to the European Championship and the World Cup, so when I couldn't go the disappointment hit me pretty hard.

"It was quite hard for me, but now that it's gone I can look forward to different opportunities. I have been watching the games and watching Blair Turgott, who's doing well. Hopefully, they can go all the way!

"Hopefully I can get myself back into the England set-up, which won't be the easiest thing to do. I'm just going to have to work on my game and improve on it and hopefully I can get a recall."

While he may still be relatively young and inexperienced, Fanimo has faith in his ability and is even eyeing the possibility of making his first-team debut during the upcoming campaign.

With a number of senior players having departed and a fixture list packed with npower Championship and cup matches, the teenager knows new manager Sam Allardyce will find a time to call upon the club's Academy products.

"It does open up a lot of opportunities for the young lads coming through, so hopefully if I get the opportunity then I can take it and get myself into the first team," he added.

"I think it would be a bit too soon for a loan move. I still have to get myself in and around the first team here and I think that would be good for me.

"It would be safe to say that I won't be going anywhere."

Fanimo has another reason to celebrate - the signing of his first professional contract with the club this summer.

"It's a very proud moment. All the hard work has paid off. It's been a long road, so I think this professional contract will help me with my development and take me on to the next level."