Kyel Reid has got his eyes on the Carling Cup tie with Coventry City as a potential chance to make another mark at first-team level.
The pacy left-winger has already impressed in the competition this season, having made the last-gasp winner for Dean Ashton against Plymouth Argyle in the previous round that has left West Ham United on the verge of the last eight. Reid will again hope to be involved for the trip to the Ricoh Arena on Tuesday 30 October, although he is well aware of the competition from Matthew Etherington and Luis Boa Morte for the left-sided spot in Alan Curbishley's midfield.
"I learn a lot from them," said the 19-year-old, who has come back to challenge his two senior rivals after making 26 appearances on loan at Barnsley last season, when he scored two goals. "There is good competition between them two as well, ahead of me, so it is just a matter of time. I have just got to hang in there. Hopefully I will get a game in the next round against Coventry and be involved. You never know. I will keep plugging away.
Reid's creativity and crossing ability was evident again in the 9 October reserve-team victory against Tottenham Hotspur when his run and cross led to the only goal for Boa Morte, who was playing in a central striker's role. Reid was naturally delighted with his contribution, which came after a great clearance from defender James Tomkins and a strong burst through the middle from Junior Stanislas.
He said: "It was a great move. It was played out wide to me and I put a ball in for Boa. I didn't think he was going to get to it but the keeper hesitated to come out and he got there ahead of the defender. It was a good goal. That is a big part of my game, getting the crosses in. The manager keeps saying to me get the ball and stay wide and create something."
The England Under-19 international knows he has time on his side and will be ready whenever he is called upon. "I just want to get another chance," Reid added. "I am waiting for my call. Whenever he calls me, hopefully I will take my chance and hopefully I can do better than my last performance out there." Few would bet against him doing just that should he get the nod against Coventry.