Ollie Scarles has sent a simple message as West Ham United prepare to continue their impressive Championship run against Wrexham.
The Hammers released a fresh interview with the academy graduate on Thursday entitled “We’ve just got to keep going”.
It comes at an interesting point in the 20-year-old’s West Ham career.
Scarles has established himself as a genuine first-team option under Nuno Espírito Santo despite increased competition on the left side of defence.
West Ham even rejected a Deadline Day approach from Torino for Scarles, making it clear they were not prepared to lose the academy graduate.
Ollie Scarles keeps West Ham place under pressure
West Ham subsequently strengthened at left-back by signing Adama Boiro on loan from Athletic Club.
That immediately created competition for Scarles.
But Nuno continued to trust the youngster against Derby County, with Scarles helping West Ham record their first Championship clean sheet of the season in a 3-0 victory.
ReadWestHam awarded Scarles a seven in our West Ham player ratings against Derby, noting that Boiro’s arrival had given him no obvious reason to surrender his place.
His progress is another important success for West Ham’s Academy of Football.
Our permanent West Ham Academy guide tracks Scarles alongside the other young players attempting to establish themselves under Nuno.
Scarles had also attracted attention from Manchester United earlier in the summer, with ReadWestHam covering United’s assessment of the versatile defender.
West Ham now have considerably greater squad depth than they did at the start of the Championship season.
That means places must continually be earned.
Scarles’ challenge is straightforward: keep giving Nuno reasons to select him.
West Ham host Wrexham on Friday looking for a fourth successive Championship victory, with the latest West Ham vs Wrexham team news and build-up covering Nuno’s major decisions.
Supporters can also find the West Ham vs Wrexham TV information ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Scarles has already survived one transfer approach and the arrival of new competition.
His latest message suggests he has no intention of slowing down now.
