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West Ham United U23s missed out on a place in the EFL Trophy knockout rounds as they lost 3-1 against Exeter City last Wednesday.

While their second loss in a row in the competition does not make for great reading, it says a lot that it took an 87th-minute goal to make the game safe for the Football League opposition.

This is especially the case when it is considered that West Ham were missing the likes of Anthony Scully, Conor Coventry, Joseph Anang due to the fact that they were away on international duty.

Of the aforementioned trio, it is Scully who can be seen as highlighting the influence Halajko has already had on the Hammers' youngsters.

The former Norwich City and Leicester City man made an absolute masterstroke when he moved the young Irishman from the wing to a central striker position, as in the 8 games following the position change, the 20-year-old has managed to score 12 goals in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2.

That he also took the team on a 16-game unbeaten run shows how much he has been able to influence the side after coming in.

When he joined, Academy Manager Ricky Martin sung his praises, as reported by the club's official website: “I am really pleased that Dmitri has agreed to join us and it is a real coup to have appointed someone of his experience and ability.

“I have seen at first hand his quality and talent as a coach, both in sessions on the training pitch and working with players individually on their development programmes.

“He has fantastic experience at Academy level and a proven record of progressing elite players through to first-team level. His style and approach will fit in perfectly to the West Ham way that we encourage and nurture here at Chadwell Heath."

The early signs are very encouraging and it seems Halajko will ultimately justify this endorsement and help the academy progress in the coming years.