West Ham star Flynn Downes lays it on the line to David Moyes over his Hammers fan boy back story after tasting game time.
When West Ham swooped to sign Downes for £12.5m from Swansea in the summer it was one of the more low key of the club’s eight signings costing over £170m.
But it could yet prove to be one of the best pieces of business by West Ham for many a year.
Downes had barely had a look in so far for West Ham in the Premier League until he made his first start in the harsh 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Moyes revealed earlier this season that the midfielder had struggled to step up to the levels required in training after signing for the Hammers.
But Downes was man of the match in all three of his starts in Europe.
And the 23-year-old was excellent at Anfield too, playing out of his comfort zone in a wider role but looking ever so comfortable.
Having starred in Europe, last week Downes said the decision over his big chance in the Premier League was ‘in the manager’s hands’.
‘I’m here to play’ West Ham star Flynn Downes lays it on the line to David Moyes over fan boy back story after tasting game time
Moyes duly gave him that chance and he did not disappoint.
Since he joined West Ham in the summer, much has been made of the fact Downes is a boyhood Hammers fan.
As a result there is a perception among some that he is simply glad to be here.
But the former Ipswich and Swansea man is keen to make it clear he’s no mascot.
‘I’m here to play’ says West Ham star Flynn Downes as he lays it on the line to David Moyes over his fan boy back story after tasting game time.
“Obviously everyone knows it’s been tough,” Downes told West Ham TV after the Liverpool defeat.
“It’s good to get out there (in the Premier League), it’s unbelievable the gaffer has put his trust in me here and I just wanted to play the game…
“Loved it! I love every minute of it. It’s Premier League football, at Anfield, it’s what dreams are made of, simple as that.
“I think we had interviews obviously when I first came about like ‘Oh how good is it to be here’ and all that. But obviously I want to play, I’m here to play. I’m not just a supporter of the club, I’m here to play, I want to contribute.
“Like I said I got off to a tough start but I’m sticking at it and let’s see where we end up.”
There have been growing calls for Downes to replace Tomas Soucek in the starting XI.
Given the Essex boy’s brilliant performances so far, it will be interesting to see what Moyes decides in the clash with Bournemouth on Monday night.
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