Hall relishing Oxford return

Rob Hall is looking forward to showing Oxford United supporters more of his undoubted talent on Tuesday evening.

The West Ham United forward enjoyed two fruitful loan spells with the npower League Two club last season, scoring six goals in 14 appearances and dazzling the U's faithful with his quick feet and elusive dribbling and movement.

Tuesday's pre-season fixture at the Kassam Stadium - kick-off 7.45pm - will give the 18-year-old an opportunity to illustrate again why he is considered one of English football's most-promising young players.

The player himself told West Ham TV he is desperate to be involved in a fixture that is set to be attended by dozens of his friends and family members, many of whom hail from Hall's hometown of Aylesbury just 20 miles from Oxford.

"Hopefully I'll be involved but I have to take it step-by-step," he said modestly. "We're back in training today and I'll work hard to try to get into the squad.

"It would be great to go back there and play again in front of the Oxford fans and nice to be in and around the team and the club because I really enjoyed my time there."

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Rob Hall in action for Oxford United during his loan spell last season

Hall caught the eye during a 30-minute run out in Saturday's 3-0 pre-season victory at Southend United - less than 48 hours after he had played 120 minutes in England's agonising 2-1 UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-final defeat by Greece.

The Hammers teenager's disappointment was compounded by the fact he saw his penalty saved with the scoreline standing at 1-0 to Greece just before half-time.

While Hall was naturally upset at England's exit, he has vowed to learn from the experience and bounce back a stronger character and a better player.

"I got back from Estonia at about 6pm on Friday after a long day of travelling, but it wasn't too bad. I got a nice 30-minute burst and felt fresh.

"It was a long time away from home but I learnt a lot out there. I had a lot of experience, some bad of course such as getting knocked out in the semi-finals, but it was a good all-round trip.

"You see different cultures and learn to live different ways. We had a lot of down-time out there where you have to look after yourselves, so you have to learn from that.

"I heard I was only playing 30 minutes on Saturday and I thought it would be at the end of the game, but I came into the changing room and saw my name in the starting XI and I thought I did alright.

"England-wise, I feel I am a penalty taker but I've missed my last two so the next one needs to go in! I might have to change my technique but I'm confident it will go in.

"You've just got to step up and keep your head and on the day the Greek keeper read where I was going to go, so I'll learn from it and move on from that."

Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's 1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground.

The Hammers will be making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium.

*An allocation of 500 tickets will be on sale (cash only) to West Ham United supporters from the Kassam Stadium North Ticket Office from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Tickets are priced at £18 for Adults, £14.50 for Students (NUS card required and in full-time education) and £10.50 for Over-65s/Under-16s.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion and delays entering the stadium. For full ticket details, click here.