Danny Kearns is aiming to keep up the good work after some impressive displays for West Ham United reserves.
The former Northern Ireland Under-17 winger was one of a host of teenagers to catch the eye in West Ham United's 2-1 reserve-team friendly defeat at Norwich City, repeatedly beating his marker and setting up a host of chances for his team-mates.
Kearns, who turned 18 in August, was one of four players looking to impress after signing their first full-time professional contracts in the summer.
With fellow Academy graduates Bondz 'Gala, Jordan Spence, Matt Fry and Josh Payne all out on loan, the teenager said he was eager to play first-team football himself in the near future.
"It's important for the likes of me, Anthony Edgar, Tony Brookes and Georg Grasser who have got our first pro contracts because we want to go and show what we can do and maybe go out on loan and get more experience under our belts.
"I'd like to go anywhere, to be honest with you, but the lower down you go the rougher it is! With my size, that might not necessarily be my game. I'm working hard and getting fitter and stronger and trying to improve my game."
Focusing on the Norwich game, Kearns was pleased with the performance of a young Hammers side.
After going a goal behind within a minute, Alex Dyer's side showed application and dominated possession and territory for long periods.
The Canaries snatched a second through a debateable penalty when Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson was adjudged to have fouled Cody McDonald.
West Ham refused to give up and halved the deficit through Jack Werndly seven minutes from full-time. Despite their best efforts, however, the visitors were unable to find a deserved equaliser.
"It was alright," said Kearns. "It was a decent game. I felt we put in quite a good performance.
"We were a bit disappointed with the goals we conceded and the penalty was a bit iffy. A few of the boys felt he didn't really touch him, to be honest, and personally I don't think it was a penalty.
"The first goal was a lack of concentration. We just switched off, but we had a young side and we were all up for it. A few of the youth-team boys came up and gave a good account of themselves.
"Alex was really pleased with the performances. He made some points about the goals and about a few things that we could have done to perhaps get a draw, but overall he was happy enough."