Callum Driver continued his trip down the road to West Ham United's first team by signing his first professional contract with the club.

The attack-minded full-back enjoyed an outstanding 2010/11 season, catching the eye with his buccaneering play, committed tackling and accurate crossing and shooting.

Driver topped off a superb campaign by scoring an impressive individual goal in a Barclays Premier Reserve League draw at Sunderland.

However, it was his overall contribution and positive attitude that the 18-year-old was rewarded with a professional deal.

"I'm very pleased," he said. "I've worked quite hard for it so I'm pleased to have the chance to be a professional and I'm planning to push on from here.

"My fitness got better during the second half of the season, so as my fitness got better so my game got better, so the second part of the season was a lot better."

Driver is one of a host of young Academy graduates eager to impress new manager Sam Allardyce and his backroom staff during the pre-season.

With the likes of Lars Jacobsen and Wayne Bridge having departed the Boleyn Ground this summer, the south London native knows he has an opportunity to push his claims for a place in the first-team squad sooner rather than later.

"It's a new start. He wants to get us back up, so that's the aim.

"I signed for the club when I was 12 so I've been here for six years now and am just about to start my seventh season.

"Obviously I want to play for West Ham's first team. That was my aim from the start, so it's one step on the ladder and I've got to push on from here."

Having seen Jordan Spence progress at the tail-end of last season, Driver is keen to follow the likes of the former reserve-team captain and Australia Under-17 striker Dylan Tombides into the first-team squad.

"It's good to have your mates around because they give you more help. We know how each other plays, so it can help you in different ways as well.

"A lot of people - my Dad, Mum and my girlfriend and her family have helped me a lot and given me support.

"We've all got a lot to look forward to this season."