Ben Johnson has opened up after his return for West Ham United U23s, as reported by the club's official website.
What did he say?
The 20-year-old made his competitive return during the young Hammers' 4-0 victory over Norwich City, having missed the previous four games through injury.
Following the final whistle, Johnson spoke about what it was like to be back in action: “It’s a great feeling to be back on the pitch, I’d played last Tuesday in a friendly, but just to get minutes and try to get my fitness back and rhythm is what I’m aiming to do. We got the win and it was good for me to get 90 minutes in the bank, so I’m happy.
He also discussed being back in the U23s having made his first-team debut last season, adding: “It’s good to have that experience, I’ve got to help these boys as well, because we all want to get the same place: we all want to play at the top level for as long as possible.
“It’s just sharing that information, and it helps me out as well. Coming back, practising my communication and leadership skills, which have improved over the last couple of years or so, it’s great to be back and stamping my authority on the team.”
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Back in action
This has been a season in which he has struggled in terms of injuries, having missed 11 of the U23s' 18 Premier League 2 Division 2 fixtures.
In one of those matches - a 4-0 win against Newcastle United - the full-back lasted just 17 minutes before being forced off through injury.
What could make this even more frustrating than it likely is for him, is that this comes the season after he made his first-team debut, playing 63 minutes during a 1-0 loss against Manchester City.
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This has potentially seen him usurped by Jeremy Ngakia, as the 19-year-old has started each of West Ham's last three matches.
Looking at Johnson, the hope now will likely be that he can go the rest of the season injury-free and show that he deserves to be back in with the seniors.
Meanwhile, a West Ham fan favourite has been receiving some serious love.