- George Dobson says he is happy to work hard and earn a place in the Walsall starting eleven
- The young Hammers star has been on loan with the Saddlers this season
- He has found game time hard to come by so far but is prepared to battle for a place
Hammers loanee George Dobson says he is prepared to fight for his place on loan at Sky Bet League One club Walsall.
The 18-year-old has made four appearances for the Saddlers since joining on loan in the summer and has had to settle for a considerable number of minutes watching from the substitutes bench.
However, speaking at the recent loan players return day at Chadwell Heath, Dobson said he is keen to impress manager Jon Whitney and earn a place in his starting eleven.
“It’s been great. Obviously, I would have like to have played more games because I’ve been in and out the team but that’s part and parcel of League One football,” said Dobson.
“You’ve got to understand that sometimes. It’s hard sitting on the bench but I’ve tried to not let my head go down and keep playing at it in training and try and impress the manager.
“Hopefully, I can get in the team and show what I can do and come back here and get as close to the first team as I can.”
Dobson joined the Hammers in July 2015 from Premier League and London rivals Arsenal and quickly became an integral part of Terry Westley’s U23 squad.
He was a key feature in the side which battled through the rounds and eventually to the Premier League Cup final.
He started the first leg of the final against Hull City, when the Hammers won the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout
“I’d like to get 20 League One games, hopefully around 25 altogether including cups. That’s what I’ve set out to get because obviously it’s my first loan,” Dobson continued.
“I speak to the manager all the time and he tells me when I’m doing well and what I can improve on.
“They’ve looked after me off the pitch with accommodation and just learning about living life on your own.
“I’m just looking forward to continuing my team there and getting a place back in the team.”