Olly Lee is targeting a big year after signing a new professional contract with West Ham United.

The 19-year-old midfielder ended the 2010/11 campaign on loan at League One side Dagenham & Redbridge, making his Football League debut and ending the season with five senior appearances under his belt.

Having enjoyed his experience at Victoria Road, Lee is now eyeing a regular place in Sam Allardyce's first-team squad as the Hammers vie for promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

"I can't wait to get started now and hopefully this will be the season when I can break through," he told West Ham TV.

"The loan was a big step for me. It was a long time coming and I'd have liked to have had it a bit sooner but when I did go out there, I really enjoyed it and I think I've come back a better player and I'm ready to kick on this season with West Ham.

"I'm still a young lad and have youth on my side, so hopefully this season will be my season."

The teenager, the son of former Hammers and England midfielder Robert Lee, is hoping to take advantage of the departure of the likes of Radoslav Kovac and Thomas Hitzlsperger to force his way into Allardyce's plans.

"I'm hoping this will be a really big chance and I want to grab it with both hands," he confirmed. "I'm just excited about getting started and hopefully getting a place in the team.

"It all depends on how pre-season goes. I'm hoping to have the full six weeks training with the first team and anything can happen from there.

"I'm very confident at the minute and hopefully I can push on.

"When I was away I played against Peterborough United and Brighton and Hove Albion, who both got promoted, and I feel that if I was to come in against them, I could do a good enough job. I'm just excited about getting started, really."

As a player who has been with the club since he was a child, Lee is also eager for West Ham to enjoy a successful season following the disappointment of relegation last term.

"I think everyone has got to put last year behind them and look forward. We will be one of the top teams in this league now and we've got to get back and get promoted."