Moncs means business- midfielder targets play offs for Dev Squad

As the U21 season nears the business end, the West Ham Development Squad face Southampton tonight and midfielder George Moncur says that the side can reach the Barclays U21 Premier League Play-Offs.

A win tonight will leave the Hammers two points away from third place, which is what manager Nick Haycock is aiming for.

In recent weeks, the side have begun to turn their fortunes around, but lost 1-0 to Southampton the last time they faced one another in February.

Moncur told West Ham TV: "Last time we played them we didn't get the result we wanted, but I think in recent games we have been playing well and we were unlucky not to get more than a draw against Tottenham last Monday night... Hopefully this time we can get three points.”

"I think there are four games left so there are plenty of points up for grabs. If we continue to play well and get the results we need, there is no reason why we wouldn't be in the top three and reach the Play-Offs."

As the name would suggest, the Development Squad is ever changing with first team call ups, loan deals and injuries all making their mark on the squad sheet. Moncur remains committed to the side and hopes to impress with his performances this season after being loaned to League 2 side AFC Wimbledon last year.

He said: "I don't want to sound big-headed, but I think I can play at a better standard than League 2. If there was a chance I could have played in League 1 or the Championship, I might have gone, but the games we are playing in are very competitive anyway so it's good to play here and I'll carry on doing that until the end of the season.”

Moncur admitted that his confidence received a boost with a recent two year contract extension and said that he is enjoying his football.

Good luck to the Development Squad tonight and fingers crossed for another vital win in the run up to the Play-Offs. Tonight’s match against Southampton will be played at the Silverlake Stadium, home of Eastleigh FC.

By Lucy Woolford, Youth and Development Squad reporter

@lucy_whufc