Lee looking forward

Olly Lee is targeting a West Ham United debut after returning from a productive loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 20-year-old made 17 appearances during his three-month stay with the League Two club, scoring his maiden senior goal in a 2-1 home defeat byMorecambe on 17 September.

Despite consistent performances and two further goals from the midfielder against Northampton Town and Crawley Town, the Daggers have struggled following their relegation from League One last season. However, Lee believes it will not be long before John Still's side return to winning ways.

"I'm pleased with how it went. It was obviously nice to get my first goal and to push on from there - hopefully there will be many more to come," he told West Ham TV.

"it was brilliant for me to be playing every week - sometimes a couple of games a week - and I felt I grew up a lot over the three months I was there. Being part of the first team every week and playing in games that mean something was great.

"Unfortunately for the team, it didn't go quite how we wanted it to, but there is a good bunch of lads there and they'll push on and be back up the league soon."

Lee's loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge was his second with the Hammers' near neighbours, having previously played five times for the club at the tail-end of last season.

The Academy product admitted he would love to have gone out on loan earlier in his career, only for illness and injury to prevent him gaining first-team experience sooner.

"I'd have loved to have done it earlier, but obviously I had a few setbacks when I was younger. I had glandular fever which really held me back.

"I'm just thankful that the opportunity has come along now and I'll push on again from here."

Having returned to Chadwell Heath and captaining the development squad in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Gillingham, Lee is hoping to push himself into Sam Allardyce's plans.

With the likes of Henri Lansbury and David Bentley unavailable, the youngster has seen George Moncur named on the substitutes' bench for one npower Championship fixture and would love to emulate his fellow graduate.

Should that opportunity not arise, he would be more than happy to go out on loan again to another Football League club.

"I have obviously seen that there are some injuries and I'd love to be involved and will be working hard every day. Eventually, hopefully I'll get my chance and will grab it with both hands.

"I'd like to test myself again. I played in League One at the end of last season and I felt comfortable there and am a much better player. I'd like to go wherever the opportunity presents itself and see what happens."