The young Australian defender told fulhamfc.com: "Back home I was playing in front of 35,000 every week. At the Grand Final we had 60,000, so playing in the Reserves is a bit different but it's all part of it. I've spoken to a few Australian players and they've said that's how it is in the beginning - you only get the rewards of playing in front of crowds if you keep working hard and doing well and that's where I want to be."

Leijer's form for the Development Squad has already earned him a place on Sanchez' bench this season and the defender clearly enjoyed the match day buzz, fuelling his hunger to achieve his ambition of actual game time for the Whites at Craven Cottage.

"The Premier League for me, it's something which is watched throughout the world, and in a lot of people's eyes it's the best league in the world. To be involved is good for me, I look forward to match day. To be involved with the First Team you get a bit of a buzz and get a feel for the pressure and atmosphere.

"Unfortunately I haven't got on the pitch yet and that's something I'm working towards and hopefully my chance will come. As I said before, I'm young and I've got a lot to learn. If I keep working at my game it will come."