Ravel Morrison is back at West Ham United and eager to capitalise on a fine season on loan at Birmingham City.
The talented young midfielder, who joined West Ham from Manchester United in January 2012, enjoyed a breakout 2012/13 season with the Blues in the npower Championship, making 30 appearances and scoring his first three senior goals.
Morrison's form saw Lee Clark's side recover from a poor start to the campaign to finish in a comfortable 12th place, with the 20-year-old producing a series of increasingly mature displays - none more so than when he inspired Birmingham to recover from 3-0 down to draw at Millwall.
He has caught the eye again during West Ham's pre-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland, showing talent, commitment and a mature attitude to his work.
"Pre-season has been good and I've enjoyed the whole trip so far," he confirmed. "I've just enjoyed the work and the whole group has done well."
Looking back at last season, a smile appears on Morrison's face when his loan spell at Birmingham is mentioned. Manager Clark regularly praised the youngster, not just for his ability but also for his willingness to learn off the pitch.
That approach resulted in Morrison netting his first league goal with a spectacular volley in a home defeat by Hull City in November 2012 and further strikes at Crystal Palace and at home to Blackburn Rovers.
"It was really good. I think I needed the year out and I think it went well, because I enjoyed my year at Birmingham a lot," he confirmed. "I missed West Ham a lot but it was still good in the Championship.
"It was different to the Premier League, obviously, but it was a good challenge. Lee Clark is a great manager and he helped me through a lot. He talked me through my rights and wrongs and he helped me through the season.
"I probably enjoyed the game against Millwall the most, when we came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3. That was probably the best game because the whole team worked hard. I also scored a couple of good goals."
With Morrison being given the chance to impress in Cork, the player himself is hoping to catch the eye and be given a chance to prove himself in claret and blue this term.
"Hopefully I can get an opportunity. I've just got to carry on working hard in pre-season and show the manager what I can do."