Dan Kemp says West Ham United’s U23s are all excited about Sunday’s Premier League 2 showdown against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday.
The winger, who is in good form having scored twice in the side’s 5-1 victory over Manchester City last weekend, is hoping his team can record their second win in as many 2019 matches.
And with Spurs the opponents, Kemp believes the Hammers will be even more motivated and up for the challenge.
“Everyone is so excited for the game and the boys have been training really well,” he explained. “We know it will be tough but we are full of confidence that we can win. The rivalry is always there, whatever level you’re playing at, and it will be very good game I think.
“These are the ones you want to play in while you’re a player at West Ham and playing against good players, so the whole squad is buzzing and looking forward to the challenge.”
Kemp returned from his eleven-month injury lay-off in October and has been slowly regaining his match fitness, impressing more in each game that passes.
And the left-footed talent is hoping he can add to last weekend’s goals to top off his birthday week, having turned 20-years-old on Friday.
“I would be delighted with a win on Sunday as a late birthday present!” he smiled. “I want to score every time I step onto the pitch so that would be an amazing present also but the main target would be to give everything for the boys so that we can get the win.
Everyone is so excited for the game. The rivalry is always there, whatever level you’re playing at, and it will be very good game.
Dan Kemp
“Personally to score two goals and get an assist against Man City was really pleasing and I was happy with the way I played. Of course there is still room for improvement like always but my job is to score and provide for the team and I was happy to do that.
“I’m personally feeling really good at the moment. I am loving being back and playing but also feel I am starting to show quality in games which is important for me. I am a player who loves to score and create goals and get people off their seats so to score two has given me even more motivation to continue like this.
“I love being able to train every day again and working hard to help the boys in the games. It’s why I love to play football. The focus for me is to be really consistent with my performances now in the second half of the season and show a very good level in everything I do.”
Saturday’s win in the north west kept the Hammers just above the Premier League 2 Division 1 relegation spots and the youngster hopes that the outfit’s performance against City will inspire another strong showing in Dagenham on Sunday.
“All the lads are really buzzing after such a good performance and win v City,” he continued. “To win our first game of 2019 and play so well has been great for us because it has given us great incentive to maintain that level.
“But we all know we can do even better and have another level to go and continue to win and score goals but be secure also at the back. We are looking to have a really consistent second half of the season and pick up lots of wins but also play well.”