Samuelsen – We’re confident ahead of play-offs

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  • A confident Martin Samuelsen is already looking ahead to the Hammers’ U23 play-off semi-final against Wolves
  • The Norwegian starred, scoring twice, as Terry Westley’s youngsters secured their spot in the Premier League 2 play-offs with a 4-0 win over West Brom on Monday
  • West Ham will travel to Molineux to face Wolves on Monday 8 May

Martin Samuelsen says West Ham United U23s’ 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Monday has given the side a great deal of confidence ahead of their play-off semi-final against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The dismantling of the hosts at the Hawthorns meant the Hammers confirmed their place in the Premier League 2 top five, with Samuelsen playing a starring role, scoring twice and leading the line as the side’s No9.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Terry Westley’s men would travel back to the midlands for their one-leg semi-final against Wolves on Monday 8 May, with a 7pm kick-off at Molineux.

And Samuelsen, fresh off the back of a loan at Peterborough United, is already looking ahead to the crucial battle.

He said: “I’m really happy to see that we got a play-off spot because that’s what we deserve.

“Last time I played Wolves, we won 4-0 away from home, so that will give us confidence going into that game as well.

“I’ve scored a lot of good goals but [the second on Monday] was probably one of my best headers, and it was a nice team goal and a good cross from Nathan [Holland], good eyes to spot me.

Samuelsen is mobbed after scoring a brilliant fourth on Monday

“And it was a great ball from Kempy to Nathan and then he spotted me, and all I had to do was score.

“I think that was the best we’ve played this season, in games I’ve been involved in. The way we started was great, because we needed to win and a lot of teams have the tendency to stretch the game, but we stuck to our philosophy.

“It’s a really good group of players we have and a group which has progressed through a very high standard of training and high demands from the coaching staff.”

Samuelsen returned to London Road to feature for League One outfit Peterborough in January, having had a successful temporary stint at the club in 2015/16.

The Norwegian found himself, however, mainly limited to appearances from the substitutes’ bench and therefore returned to east London earlier this month.

“At Peterborough, it’s never easy to go on loan and I tried to make the most out of it which I think I did. I got a goal and had a few good games and substitute appearances, but I didn’t play as much as I’d hoped.

“I sat down with West Ham and Terry Westley to access how we make the best out the situation and we concluded that it was best to do a lot of gym work and look ahead to next season.

“I felt a lot stronger against West Brom, I felt I could compete with the centre-backs and I think I’m stronger after that loan.”

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