Mark Noble admits he is enjoying life on loan at
Championship outfit Ipswich Town and is hoping that the experience
will help him go on to greater things at Upton Park.
The 19-year-old midfielder arrived at Portman Road in late August and, having helped the Tractor Boys to turn around their early season poor form with four wins and two draws in his first six matches, he was in typically bubbly mood during a visit back to the Chadwell Heath training ground this week to catch up with his Hammers colleagues.
"I'm really enjoying it," says Mark, who has hit one goal in seven matches so far for Jim Magilton's team. "The main thing is that I am playing every week and, because of that, I am starting to feel sharper and can see that my performances are getting better and better.
"Ipswich are a good footballing side and, having come from West Ham, everyone knows that I like to get the ball down and play, so that was one of the big reasons for going there on loan.
"Jim Magilton, the manager, was also a midfield player, and I get on really well with him. He has taught me a few new things since I've been at Portman Road, and I'm really learning a lot from playing regularly in the Championship."
Having commenced his three-month temporary period with a debut back on August 19 against Hull City - whom he spent a brief loan spell with last season - Mark is now halfway through the initial deal, and admits he is keeping an open mind about his next step, having adjusted more comfortably to life in Suffolk.
"The loan is due to finish in late November, so we will see what happens then," says Mark. "At the moment, I just want to play as many games as I can, really build my match fitness and show people what I can do.
"I certainly feel I am getting more out of this loan spell than I did at Hull last season, and I think being nearer home helps. Ipswich is only an hour up the A12, so I can come back to see my family and friends whenever I want, and that is a big bonus.
"Obviously my ultimate aim is to come back to West Ham and get in the first team here, but I realise there are a lot of midfielders in front of me and it's better that I am playing regularly every week rather than sitting up in the stands waiting for my chance.
"If I do well at Ipswich, then hopefully Alan Pardew will notice me and, who knows, maybe I will get my chance, but for now I am just happy to be where I am and enjoying my football."
The 19-year-old midfielder arrived at Portman Road in late August and, having helped the Tractor Boys to turn around their early season poor form with four wins and two draws in his first six matches, he was in typically bubbly mood during a visit back to the Chadwell Heath training ground this week to catch up with his Hammers colleagues.
"I'm really enjoying it," says Mark, who has hit one goal in seven matches so far for Jim Magilton's team. "The main thing is that I am playing every week and, because of that, I am starting to feel sharper and can see that my performances are getting better and better.
"Ipswich are a good footballing side and, having come from West Ham, everyone knows that I like to get the ball down and play, so that was one of the big reasons for going there on loan.
"Jim Magilton, the manager, was also a midfield player, and I get on really well with him. He has taught me a few new things since I've been at Portman Road, and I'm really learning a lot from playing regularly in the Championship."
Having commenced his three-month temporary period with a debut back on August 19 against Hull City - whom he spent a brief loan spell with last season - Mark is now halfway through the initial deal, and admits he is keeping an open mind about his next step, having adjusted more comfortably to life in Suffolk.
"The loan is due to finish in late November, so we will see what happens then," says Mark. "At the moment, I just want to play as many games as I can, really build my match fitness and show people what I can do.
"I certainly feel I am getting more out of this loan spell than I did at Hull last season, and I think being nearer home helps. Ipswich is only an hour up the A12, so I can come back to see my family and friends whenever I want, and that is a big bonus.
"Obviously my ultimate aim is to come back to West Ham and get in the first team here, but I realise there are a lot of midfielders in front of me and it's better that I am playing regularly every week rather than sitting up in the stands waiting for my chance.
"If I do well at Ipswich, then hopefully Alan Pardew will notice me and, who knows, maybe I will get my chance, but for now I am just happy to be where I am and enjoying my football."