West Ham United have allowed youngster Alfie Lewis to sign for St. Patrick's Athletic on loan.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been with the Hammers since he was eight years old.

He first played in Premier League 2 at 16.

Since he has not progressed to the first team, Lewis is hoping to get game time at St. Patrick's for the rest of the season.

Asked by the club's website about why he signed, Lewis said: "My agent texted me to let me know about the interest from St Pat's a few weeks ago and as soon as a spoke to Stephen O'Donnell I wanted to come over.

"This is the perfect time for me to go out on loan to a good club like St Pat's and get some experience. I'm really looking forward to it.

"I know St Pat's play a really good style of football and I'm a player who likes to get on the ball, so hopefully I can add my quality to the team and see what I can do and work hard."