Reserves ready for Burton

West Ham United's youngsters are relishing the opportunity to take on Football League side Burton Albion on Saturday.

With the first-team squad completing their training camp in Germany, Alex Dyer will take a youthful reserve team to the Pirelli Stadium this weekend.

While they will be giving up plenty in terms of age and experience, Dyer believes his charges will rise to the occasion against Paul Peschisolido's League Two outfit.

"All the boys are looking forward to going up to Burton to play against a Football League side," Dyer confirmed.

"It's going to be a challenge for them, but hopefully they will go out there and give a good account of themselves, work hard for one another and show people what they can do.

"It will be good experience for them to see if they can play at that level themselves, because their goal over the next few months and years is to play league football themselves, either by going out on loan or by reaching the first team here."

The reserves began their pre-season schedule by making the short trip to Thurrock last Saturday, going down 1-0 to a spectacular goal from former Hammers schoolboy Matt Bodkin.

Dyer named no fewer than six scholars in his starting lineup at Ship Lane and his side is likely to have a similarly youthful appearance at Burton.

Young professionals Jordan Brown (pictured), Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Olly Lee, Callum McNaughton and Ahmed Abdulla are likely to start, while a host of second-year scholars will also be given the chance to shine against the Brewers.

Burton themselves have enjoyed an encouraging pre-season so far, losing out narrowly to former manager Nigel Clough's Derby County before defeating another Championship side, Sheffield United, 1-0 on Tuesday evening.

The match-winner against the Blades was striker Greg Pearson, who began his career at West Ham United before joining Rushden & Diamonds in 2005.

The 2008/09 Blue Square Premier champions also name former West Bromwich Albion and Jamaica defender Darren Moore and experienced ex-Aston Villa forward Richard Walker among their squad.

Tickets for Saturday's match, which kicks-off at 3pm, will be available on the day.

Seats are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Under-16s, while standing tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £3 for Under-16s.

For details of how to get to the Pirelli Stadium, click here.