Izzie's Wish

Izzie Iriekpen hopes that a move to first division Stoke City will help him resurrect his Hammers career before the season is out.

The 20 year-old centre half is waiting to hear whether his performance for the Potters' reserves against Doncaster Rovers this week has been enough to secure a place on loan.

Of the game, at the Lyme Valley Stadium, he says: "We won 3-1 and it was all right, I suppose - I played well and I will just train with them for another week to hopefully then sign on loan."

Izzie spent a six week spell at Brisbane Road earlier in the campaign, scoring two goals in eight games, and he adds: "I did quite well at Leyton Orient and now we will see if I can cope at a higher level."

O's boss Paul Brush decided against extending the loan deal due to Izzie sustaining a groin injury at the start of December.

But this latest move allows him to be tested at a higher level, and he adds: "I just want to play well in the first division and then I will speak to Glenn. I know I can handle myself, it is just about getting a chance.

"If the manager takes me on at Stoke I am sure I can do a job for him.

"If I am not in Glenn Roeder's plans, I am not in his plans and I can't do anything about it, but I hope I am and we will just have to see how it goes.

"I have been fit this season and feel I could have done a job if I had had a chance when things were going wrong. I am young and people talk about experience but you need to play to get that.

"If I start playing regularly at Stoke the manager will come and watch - and hopefully it will catch his eye."

Izzie captained the 1999 FA Youth Cup Final side - which included Joe Cole and Michael Carrick - that beat Coventry City and has also represented England at under-18 level - where he played in a right back role.

Izzie, who is completely over the troublesome knee problem that has led to him undergoing surgery in recent years, is confident he can go all the way at Upton Park, and adds: "I am one of the quickest at the club and you do need pace in the Premiership, as Arsenal show.

"I would just love to be playing at West Ham because I grew up at Upton Park and I just wanted a chance to show what I can do.

"But I haven't had that chance because we were struggling - and Stoke are struggling as well."

Izzie, who would have been the youngest player in West Ham's history to play in a match at just 16 years old when he was due to come on as a sub at Manchester United in January 1999 - only for the referee to blow the final whistle before he had chance to come on - is out of contract this summer.