Toni Martinez is eyeing another first-team appearance when West Ham United host Shrewsbury Town in an Emirates FA Cup third-round replay at London Stadium on Tuesday.
The prolific Spaniard made his senior debut as a substitute in the original tie at Montgomery Waters Meadow and will hope to be part of David Moyes’ squad for the second meeting in east London.
“To play with the first team in an official game was a great joy for both me and my family,” said the 20-year-old, speaking in a feature interview to be published in the Official Programme.
“It’s what I have fought for all my life. I made my dream come true and now I hope it’s the first of many. I will work for it.”
I made my dream come true and now I hope it’s the first of many
Toni Martinez
Martinez scored for the U23s in a 3-0 Premier League 2 win over Manchester United just 24 hours after making his first-team bow in Shropshire to take his tally to eleven goals in 16 appearances at that level.
Having also netted against German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in pre-season, the young forward is hoping his knack for finding the back of the net earns him further opportunities to shine at first-team level.
Ultimately, his aim is to feature in the Premier League.
“In the pre-season I played against Werder Bremen, which is a very good European team, and Fulham, a historic team in England.
“I scored two goals and I think I showed enough quality but, in the end, playing or not, doesn’t depend on me, I can only work every day and in the end the reward will arrive.
“I can’t imagine how it will be! I think it will be an incredible moment, for me and my family, as we know the work that we have put in to get here.
“That day won’t be only mine but of all the people close to me, who have supported me from the beginning.”
*You can order Tuesday’s 100-page Official Programme online here, or alternatively download the digital issue for just £1.99 from 9am on matchday here.
Alongside Martinez’s feature interview are exclusive columns penned by Joint-Chairman David Gold, manager David Moyes and captain Mark Noble, Domingos Quina’s Play List, Martin Allen’s West Ham Scrapbook and much, much more!