Callum Marshall admits he always had his heart set on joining West Ham United after signing a three-year professional contract with the club.
The former Linfield Academy forward penned his first pro deal with the Hammers on November 28 - the same date he celebrated his 18th birthday.
Marshall scored an incredible nine goals in just four games for the Under 18s at the start of the season, and has since featured eight times in all competitions for the U21s, scoring his first Premier League 2 goal away to Blackburn Rovers in October.
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The teenager - who initially joined West Ham on a scholarship deal from Linfield back in January - says his new contract is "massive news for me and my family".
He added: "I first came over here from Linfield last December. I initially signed a two-year scholar and one-year pro, but now I am signing a three-year professional contract which is massive for me and my family.
"I know how big the club is. I had a couple of offers but nothing like West Ham. I was always coming here, It was always the biggest club with a massive fan base.
"My dream has always been to play in the Premier League. The main thing was to get into a Premier League club like West Ham and then try and get in the first team which I am working at now.
"Things have gone well do far and hopefully it continues."
Reflecting on his impressive start for the Hammers, Marshall said: "When I first came over I went on a good run. I scored five in five so I felt on top of the world.
"People wonder how you will do and would I struggle, so it was good people saying how well I did when I came over.
"I had a good season with the Under 18s, and then I went into pre-season and things took off. We went to the Czech Republic and I got top scorer in the tournament.
"Then I went to Portugal with the Under 21s and I loved playing in the heat.
"Signing here shows my ambition. There are people in front of me who I need to try and overtake.
"I need to push on and try and get into the first team which will be no easy task. But I just need to keep working hard."
