Lee learning fast

Elliot Lee is hoping to cement his place in the Development Squad in 2013 after another impressive showing in the 3-1 FA Youth Cup win against Aldershot Town.

Lee, who has already scored once for the Hammers second string this season, scored two goals in Hampshire on Monday night and is now likely called back to the Development Squad when they face Norwich City on Monday night.

It will be Nick Haycock's first game in charge of the Development Squad following his promotion and Lee hopes to give his old coach a fresh reminder of his undoubted ability in the 1pm kick-off at Norwich's Colney training centre.

"We have got the last Development Squad game on Monday against Norwich City which I will hopefully be starting in," Lee said.

"I feel I have done okay so far so hopefully I can push on and cement my place within the Development Squad after Christmas."

A number of youngsters that featured in the win against Aldershot are likely to be called up by Haycock with the majority of Development Squad regulars either out on loan or away with the first team. Jordan Spence, George Moncur and Sebastian Lletget were all on the bench for Sam Allardyce's side at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday and may be given some valuable game time.

"It was a good feeling to score two goals against Aldershot, it was a difficult game but after we got the first goal it allowed the lads to relax a little bit.

"We then got another which made things even better but when they got one back with 15 minutes to go it made things harder so it was great to get the third goal that ensured we progressed to the next round.

"No disrespect to Aldershot Town but when you come down to these lower league clubs they are always going to fight you but Nick [Haycock] warned me before the game.

"He said they would try and get into my head but I stayed strong, got my two goals and I am very happy with my performance."

Both of Lee's goals were smart finishes with the striker once again showing his poaching prowess to ease the pressure on Nick Haycock's side at crucial times in the contest.

"I was in the right place at the right time but as a forward that is where you have to be - I am happy to score those goals all day long.

"For the second, I saw the ball bounce so I put pressure on the defender, luckily it broke for me and I managed to squeeze it in the bottom corner."

Lee's brother, and former Hammers midfielder, Olly Lee is now plying his trade at Barnet alongside Edgar Davids and his younger brother revealed he is making good progress.

"He is really enjoying his time at Barnet, he is starting games now and playing well so hopefully he can carry on doing it and push his way back up the ladder.

"There are a few former West Ham players there and they are all enjoying it, they are not in the best position at the minute but hopefully they will come together and turn it round."