West Ham United youngster Ajibola Alese is determined to make the most of his chances in preseason.
The defender, who captained the under-23s for the first time on Saturday against Ebbsfleet United, has been with the club since he was seven years old.
Even though the Hammers lost the game 2-1, the 20-year-old was delighted at the opportunity he received to wear the armband during the game.
Alese has been with David Moyes' first team squad during their preseason camp in Scotland.
"I think everything's going well for me," the versatile defender told whufc.com.
"Leading on from last season, when I didn't get to play so many games on loan, to get a good pre-season around the first team, learning from the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and playing in training up against Michail Antonio, is only going to help me really.
"It was my first time wearing the captain's armband for the U23s and it was good to lead the lads out today. I hope that I've earned their respect, and hopefully I'll show why on the pitch.
"For me, with the U23s, I'd say my role is just to play as well as I can on the pitch, and off it to speak to the lads when I can. I've been lucky enough to play a few more senior games than some of the other young players, so I'll give them advice and help them out when I can."
