[West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-dodge-a-bullet-as-29-year-old-turns-down-london-stadium-move/) have a number of Northern Irish players progressing through the ranks, some of who will be evaluated during the summer pre-season.
Callum Marshall has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for their June friendlies against Denmark and Iceland. The 20 year old striker was voted Player of the Year following his loan at Huddersfield Town weighing in with nine goals, and fourteen goal contributions.
Patrick Kelly returns to West Ham after an impressive season with Doncaster Rovers, where he made over 30 appearances and has now earned twelve international call ups for Northern Ireland’s u-21s.
He is tied to West Ham to 2026, so the new season will be quite important for the 20 year old.
The winger played a key role in helping Rovers win the League Two title, and has impressed manager Grant McCann – a former West Ham player – who said “The kid is going to be a very, very good player and a top player”.
Sean Moore who joined the Hammers in 2023 from Cliftonville, has since switched international allegiance to represent Republic of Ireland at u-21 level. The 20 year can operate on either wing, and played twenty times for Academy team last season.
Michael Forbes, a centre-back has had a number of injuries following loan spells at Bristol Rovers and Colchester United. With one international cap to his name, he’ll be hoping to regain form and momentum in the new season.
Meanwhile, Josh Briggs has been continuing his development having signed professional terms in 2024. The Irish centre back, aged 19 has been playing for Under 21s last season making eleven appearances.
Looking further ahead, the clubs youth system has been bolstered by the arrival of two 16-year -olds: Callum Leacock from Linfield, and Joel Kerr from Glentoran.
Kerr in particular will be one to watch, with Paul Millar Sporting Director at Glentoran saying “West Ham are gaining a fantastic young footballer. We have no doubt that Joel will be a success and we’ll be watching his progress with pride.”
With such a strong pipeline of talent , there is hope that several of these players will seize the opportunity to establish themselves at West Ham.