Josh Landers has given Nuno Espírito Santo a timely reminder of his potential after scoring for West Ham United U21s just days after being left unused against Burnley.
The 19-year-old striker was among Nuno’s substitutes for Sunday’s 2-2 Championship draw at Turf Moor but did not enter the game despite West Ham searching for attacking solutions late on.
Landers returned to academy duty on Tuesday night and immediately made an impact, scoring West Ham’s equaliser as Mark Robson’s side came from behind to beat Worthing 2-1 in their National League Cup opener. Worthing’s official match report confirms Landers struck on the hour before Ryan Battrum completed the turnaround five minutes later.
Josh Landers responds after West Ham opportunity
The timing could hardly be better for the academy forward.
ReadWestHam highlighted after Burnley that Landers was one of five academy graduates Nuno left unused as West Ham surrendered a two-goal advantage.
Nuno subsequently stressed his desire for additional attacking options, and West Ham have since completed the signing of Joel Piroe from Leeds United.
Landers remains further down the senior pecking order, but Tuesday’s goal keeps his name in the conversation.
The Scotland youth international has also attracted significant loan interest this summer. ReadWestHam previously reported that five clubs were pursuing a temporary deal, including St Mirren, Livingston and Cheltenham Town.
West Ham must now decide whether regular senior football elsewhere or continued involvement around Nuno’s squad offers the best route for his development.
Landers could do little about being left on the bench at Burnley.
Scoring barely 48 hours later was about the clearest response he could provide.
