West Ham defender Jamal Baptiste was happy to be back for the U21's defeat to AS Monaco in midweek.

The centre back made his first start for Mark Robson's development team since August, following a long-term injury problem, so the 19-year-old was delighted to be back on the pitch after a difficult few months.

“It's been a really difficult period for me, probably the toughest few months of my career so far," Baptiste told whufc.com. "I love playing football and it has been incredibly tough to watch on from the sidelines. It's been disappointing from my point of view because I want to help the team and I want to prove myself.

“The boys have been doing well recently and I am pleased to be back in the team. My aim now is to stay in the side and to solidify my place again.

"Tonight was my first match back so now I want to keep building and improving."