Fletcher desperate to break Hammers duck

Ashley Fletcher admits he is surprised at how much game-time he has earned at West Ham this season and is now desperate to repay that faith with his first goal for the club.

The striker joined from Manchester United on a free transfer over the summer and has made nine appearances for the Hammers in all competitions.

The 21-year-old’s only previous experience of first-team league football had come in the 20 League One games he played while on loan at Barnsley last season.

Yet Fletcher has been a staple in West Ham’s matchday squad in the top tier this term and helped change the game when coming off the bench against Stoke last weekend, although he is still awaiting his first goal.

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The Keighley-born marksman was involved as the Hammers took the lead against the Potters two minutes after his introduction from the bench but they were unable to hold on, having to settle for a point.

“I didn’t expect to be this involved but every opportunity I get, I try and make an impact on the pitch,” said Fletcher.

“I am hungry to do more, I am hungry to help this team and I am hungry to score more goals. Hopefully I will get more opportunities.

“The manager told me to make an impact when I came on against Stoke and I like to think that I did that.

“It is a tough league and it will be an interesting couple of weeks, but we need to start picking up points.”