YOUNG midfielder Mark Noble is hoping to be involved with the
first-team against Norwich City this weekend, as the
17-year-old's impressive rise through the youth team ranks
continues at pace.
The East London born Academy graduate made his first-team debut in
the Carling Cup against Southend earlier this season, but has fond
memories of last season's FA Cup competition after being
included on the bench for the win at then Premiership Wolves.
"I have special memories of last season's FA Cup, being on
the bench at Wolves," explained Mark, who captained the
England Under-18s against Scotland recently. "It was
brilliant, because it was the first time I had been involved with
the senior team on a matchday and it's an experience I'll
never forget.
"Myself and Chris Cohen were on the bench, although Chris had
already made his first team debut by that time.
"We were both really young, only just turned 16, so to be
there at a Premiership club as Wolves were at the time and watch
West Ham go through to the next round was tremendous."
A fanatical Hammers fan, Mark only joined the full-time staff at
the Club in 2003 and along with his close friend Chris Cohen has
surged through the youth ranks to sign professional forms and make
his first-team debut for the Hammers.
Yet, he remains level-headed about his progress and after
recovering from a slight injury insists that he can't wait to
get out onto a pitch again this weekend, whether it be for the
first-team or the Under-18s, who he is still eligible to represent.
"Of course, I really hope that I'm in the squad for the
Norwich game," he admitted. "It's a great thrill
every time I'm involved with the first-team and to play at
Upton Park is fantastic.
"There are a few injuries to first-team players at the
moment, so I'm hopeful that I'll be involved with Alan
Pardew's squad, but like the rest of the players I'm just
waiting to see.
"But I'll still be pleased to play for the Under-18s this
Saturday against Charlton, if that's where I'm picked.
"I've had a slight groin injury, but it wasn't
anything serious and I've been back in training this week. Now
I'm just desperate to get back playing again."
If he is included in Alan Pardew's first-team plans then going
up against Premiership opposition should hold little fear for Mark.
He came off the bench in the memorable Carling Cup Third Round
clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, and will
be no respecter of reputations against top-flight Norwich.
"If I do get to play then I'll just go out, give my all,
and play the only way I know how," said Mark. "The
Chelsea game was a great experience for me, and maybe I'll get
to add to it at Upton Park on Saturday."
Noble Quest
7th January 2005