- Reece Oxford made his comeback from injury last night at the Chigwell Construction Stadium
- The 18-year-old captained the U23s in their 2-1 win over Norwich City
- Oxford is pleased to be back on the pitch and eager to get back into Slaven Bilic's first team
Reece Oxford is raring to get back playing for Slaven Bilic’s first team after appearing for West Ham’s U23s in their 2-1 victory over Norwich City on Monday night.
Oxford has been absent from action since injuring his ankle in training at the end of October, but the young defender made his comeback last night at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last season at the age of just 16 when he became the seventh youngest player in Premier League history in West Ham’s 2-0 win at Arsenal.
After a frustrating start to the season due to injury, making only two appearances in the Europa League, Oxford is eager to get back out on the pitch for the first team.
“I’ve been out for about two and a bit months now but it’s very nice to get back with the U23s and get a win,” said Oxford.
“It’s been a bit frustrating but hopefully now I’m back fit, I can get back in the side and help the team. It’s been hard for the boys recently but hopefully we can pull through now and I hope I can help them and play well for the team.“
Oxford captained the U23s last night as they beat Norwich 2-1, a result which puts the PL2 side 4th in Premier League 2 Division 2.
It’s been a bit frustrating but hopefully now I’m back fit, I can get back in the side and help the team.
Reece Oxford
Ashley Fletcher gave the home side the lead ten minutes after half-time, sliding home a cross from Moses Makasi.
Their lead was doubled when top scorer Toni Martinez found Marcus Browne in the area - Browne deftly chipped the ball over Norwich keeper Ben Killip to make it two.
Norwich pulled a goal back shortly after through Joe Crowe but the Hammers should have put the game out of sight with Browne and substitute Joe Powell both missing good opportunities.
Oxford said afterwards he was pleased to achieve the victory and also said he was happy to come through the fixture unscathed.
“I felt good tonight. I thought I would feel quite leggy but I was quite surprised how good I felt so hopefully I can push on from here.”