Much has been made of young [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-hams-passed-over-strikers-both-on-target/) forwards in recent seasons, going back to the days of **Freddie Sears** – who almost – but – never – quite made it as a Hammer.
More recently **Callum Marshall** appeared the most likely to succeed , currently learning his trade at second tier Bundesliga club VfL Bochum.
Huge media interest greeted Celtic’s **Daniel Cummings** who arrived as the first signing of last summer’s window but little progress seems to have been made by the striker who was prolific in Celtic’s second XI.
Strange really that the hype that surrounded **Cummings’** arrival was lacking for **Josh Landers**, arriving from Hibernian and first heading virtually under the radar to the under 18’s, and now turning out regularly for the u21 side.
Landers’ record of 18 goals in 32 starts included the opener last night against Borehamwood in the ill-fated final: If the youngster continues with his progression then he could succeed where so many other young forwards have failed and force his way into Nuno’s senior squad.
Josh Landers – a breakthrough next season?
In which case he’d be on course to save David Sullivan having to put his hand in his pocket: A ready-made front man stepping up from the Academy could be worth millions to the club.
Without wishing to tempt fate, should West Ham drop out of the Premier League then Landers and Marshall would look dead certs to have opportunities to step into first team Championship football as the exodus of more senior players would begin in earnest in the summer.
If the Hammers- hopefully – survive in the top flight, Landers has the physicality and technique to earn himself a chance: Alongside **Josh Ajala**, the duo have quietly earned a reputation for themselves and it would be in keeping with Nuno’s approach to young talent if the duo found opportunity knocking next season.