West Ham United’s 19-year-old midfielder Josh Cullen is prepared to make the most of any first team chances that come his way.
The England-born, Republic of Ireland midfielder is looking to establish himself in the first team squad.
Cullen made his Premier League debut for the Hammers in a historic 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield in August, having already impressed in the Europa League.
Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, Cullen said: “It’s been a good start to the season, I knew I wouldn’t break into the squad immediately, we’ve got a great squad now, so it’ll be tough but I’ll keep on plugging away in the U21s and when I go away with Ireland, I’ll always try and do as well as I can.”
Manager Slaven Bilic has been impressed by the youngster in training and has tipped him to become a first team mainstay in the coming years.
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The 19-year-old has also played an integral part in West Ham’s Development Squad.
Following a sluggish start to their campaign, the midfielder scored in consecutive games to help his team register three wins out of their last four.
“We had a tough start to the season, people outside the club probably thought we were a bad team, but that wasn’t case.
“We knew we were a good side but we lost to a few sloppy goals or late goals. We’ve got two on the bounce now so hopefully we can carry that on.”
With the Hammers aiming to reach the top six ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium, Cullen believes that the quality of players at the club is the best in recent years.
The midfielder accepts that it will be a tough ask, but one that the club is looking forward to.
“With the way the club wants to go it’ll be tough. We want to be a top six club and the quality of the players here is about as good as it’s ever been, certainly that I can remember.
“It’s a challenge, but one I look forward too, you can always learn from the players that are here as well, that’s a good positive.
“You can always take tips from them and that helps to prove to people that I am good enough to play in the first team.”
The 19-year-old made his U21 debut for the Republic of Ireland in the 4-1 win over Qatar U23 and even got on the scoresheet.
Cullen expressed his happiness at getting the opportunity to represent the Republic of Ireland and is aiming to kick on from it and break into West Ham’s first team.
“I’m very pleased to be playing for Ireland and doing well, I enjoy going away with them. To get that feedback and recognition is always nice, now it’s about me kicking on and trying to get into the first team here.”
