On this day - 24 July

Academy graduate Michael Carrick made his senior West Ham United bow on this day 14 years ago.

Thanks to Paul Kitson's goal, the Hammers took a slender 1-0 advantage to Helsinki, in this, the return leg of an Intertoto Cup third-round clash with Finland's FC Jokerit.

Image removed.

Paul Kitson heads the Hammers in front at the Boleyn Ground

The tie, however, was all square after 33 minutes, as Harry Redknapp's men teetered on the edge of a sobering exit.

But with 20 minutes to play and extra-time beckoning, Frank Lampard bagged the all important away goal to set up a semi-final clash with Dutch oufit SC Heerenveen.      

Though something of a sidenote on the day, there was also a first outing for a young Michael Carrick, who replaced Paolo Di Canio in the latter stages.

Four days short of his 18th birthday, Carrick's debut senior appearance was to herald a distinguished career in claret and blue, one that ultimately brought 159 appearances and six goals.