Grady Diangana says that he was delighted to mark his first team debut with a brace - before admitting that he doesn't score too often!
The 20-year-old, who played the entire 90 minutes of last night's Carabao Cup tie scored West Ham's seventh and eighth goal against Macclesfield to make his debut a night to remember.And the Academy star, who wore the number 45 shirt is now setting his sights on a place in the first team set up, having been with West Ham since the age of 12.
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"I never thought my debut would be like that," he said, speaking immediately after the final whistle. "I’ve always dreamed about it, but for it to actually happen, I never really expected it. I don’t usually score goals so I’m really happy!
"It was only this morning that I found out that I would be starting.
"I just tried to get my own mind ready, and I’m really happy for the result. The first thing I was told by the manager and the staff was to be fearless and enjoy myself. They wanted me to play simple in the middle third, and express myself.
"The experienced players made my debut really easy for me. They spoke to me before the game and during the game, just giving me advice. Hopefully I can kick on now. I want to keep getting opportunities and I will work hard for those opportunities."
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And with regard to his two goals, both of which were celebrated wildly, Diangana was grateful to a fellow Academy debutant for his invaluable assistance.
"The first goal I picked up in the middle and I’ve turned, and tried to make space to shoot. I saw [Joe] Powell and played the one-two, and shot with my right. For the second I saw the space in behind, Powelly played me in and I was able to finish.
"Hopefully I can kick on now. I want to keep getting opportunities and I will work hard for those opportunities.”
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