- Edimilson Fernandes made his first start in Claret and Blue on Friday night
- He was part of the Hammers PL2 side which drew 2-2 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Chigwell Construction Stadium
- Fernandes said he was pleased with his performance
New signing Edimilson Fernandes believes that hard work is the key to him gaining a spot in Slaven Bilic’s first team squad this season.
The midfielder was recently away on international duty with the Switzerland U21s, scoring on just his second appearance against Kazakhstan, and returned to east London for his debut in the Hammers PL2 side’s 2-2 draw with Wolves on Friday.
The 20-year-old started alongside fellow summer recruit Sofiane Feghouli in a strong starting line-up and Fernandes said he was pleased with his display.
“The game went well,” he stated. “You have to keep working hard and you get the rewards.
“It’s always frustrating when you concede a goal in the last minute like that, but it’s part of the game. You’ve just got to keep working hard.”
After a quiet first half, the Hammers found themselves behind just before half-time when Christian Herc rifled into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Terry Westley’s men came out firing after the interval though and equalised through Domingos Quina’s free-kick deflecting off Donovan Wilson for an own goal.
Toni Martinez scored his sixth goal in just five matches to give the Hammers the lead, after a fizzing cross from Fernandes, before Morgan Gibbs-White equalised with virtually the last kick of the contest.
“I’m happy with making a decisive pass for a goal in my first game,” said the midfielder.
“It’s been a really good week for me. I’ve played three games and I’ve got some match minutes. I’ve also been really pleased with my performances.
“I’ve come to the club and ultimately I want to get in the first team. That’s what it’s about. I recognise there is work to do, but I’ll keep working hard and hopefully achieve my goal.”