If Kamarai Swyer’s aim was to improve his finishing this season, his goal against Brighton & Hove Albion U21s was proof the hard work is paying off.
A constant threat down flanks for the Hammers on Monday against the Seagulls, the 20-year-old retained his composure to scoop Keenan Appiah-Forson’s recycled header early in the second half.
The midfielder's neat, volleyed finish from close range kickstarted the U21s' 3-2 Premier League 2 win at Rush Green Stadium, with a Divin Mubama brace rounding off a sixth victory in eight league matches for Mark Robson's young side.
“I’ve seen Keenan get his head on it and I just tried to stay onside,” Swyer told whufc.com. "Luckily it dropped nicely down to me.
“Last season, my general play was good but goals and assists I wanted to improve [my output this season]. So, I am definitely happy to have been able to do that this year.”
Such attacking efforts signal a player in form and Swyer has earned the chance to showcase what he can do with the senior side on occasion.
The Academy graduate has trained with David Moyes' first team at Rush Green at times this campaign, and was involved in the UEFA Europa Conference League Group B match against FCSB in November – appearing as a substitute in the Irons’ 3-0 win in Romania. He also enjoyed a run-out in the mid-season friendly against Fulham a month later.
As is the case with any player starring for the U21s, senior action is the aim. Representing West Ham would mean everything to a footballer who joined the Academy of Football as an eight-year-old.
“That’s why we are here and why we work hard in training,” explained Swyer. "You just try to put good performances in because the first-team staff are watching.
“You never know when the next opportunity is.”
Swyer is rightly confident he can make the step up. Since signing a professional contract at 18, the forward has been key to the U21s side.
In particular, the 20-year-old’s partnership with Divin Mubama has blossomed in recent wins over Chelsea, Brighton and Everton. Combined the duo have netted 19 goals - over half of the development side’s total in 2022/23.
“I love playing with Divin,” Swyer added. “I feel like we know each other's games well and when I get the ball I know where he is going to be.
"We definitely have that understanding and link up well.”
