Young star Lewis Orford, whose dad is a West Ham season ticket holder, has been spotted in the squad for the Europa League clash in Serbia.
West Ham are gearing up to take on Serbian side Backa Topola on Thursday night knowing a positive result will guarantee Europa League knockout football post Christmas.
It is game two of 10 in a hectic schedule between the weekend win at Burnley and January 2nd.
And it comes as a mini injury and illness crisis unfolds in the Hammers camp.
West Ham are already missing Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen due to knee injuries.
Antonio is out for two to three weeks while Bowen was never going to be risked for the trip to Serbia.
Meanwhile boss David Moyes has revealed two West Ham stars – believed to be Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez – have not travelled due to illness.
The situation has opened the door for Divin Mubama to get the start he craves up front.
Yesterday his academy teammate Dan Chesters was also seen involved in the preparations for Backa Topola and a third is joining them it seems.
Because young star Lewis Orford, whose dad is a West Ham season ticket holder, has been spotted in the squad for the Europa League clash.
The midfielder signed a pro deal with West Ham earlier this year having been with the club from the age of five.
And he revealed he is from a family of West Ham fanatics.
It seems the Orford family are about to share a proud moment because in a picture gallery titled ‘Hammers head to Serbia’ on the club’s official website, eagle-eyed fans will see Orford behind Chesters in picture number 14.
Speaking when he signed his deal back in February, the 17-year-old said he hoped to get near the first team.
“It’s (signing a pro deal) a proud moment for my family as well, they are all West Ham fans,” Orford said.
“My dad is a season-ticket holder, so he is very proud of me, and I know my mum and the rest of my family are too!
“This club has a good history of graduates from its Academy over the years. It’s a good moment for me, and I hope to kick on and get near the first team as soon as I can.”
Well it seems he is getting his wish.
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