West Ham’s Ashley Fletcher looking to Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane for inspiration ahead of new season

'Fitter and Stronger' - Ashley Fletcher
West Ham United via Getty Images
George Elek30 June 2017

Ashley Fletcher has opened up on the difficulties of trying to break into the West Ham first-team as a young player, but says he looks to compatriots Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane for inspiration.

The 21-year old was signed by the Hammers from Manchester United last summer on the back of a successful loan spell at Barnsley, but scored just one goal in his opening campaign in the EFL Cup, against his former team.

West Ham have made no secret of their desire to bring in at least one goal scorer, but Fletcher is philosophical about his chances next season.

“It was the same last year, as everyone was saying we need a £20m striker but they are hard to come by,” He told the club site, “It’s not easy to go out and find a player who can score goals regularly in the Premier League, especially those who come in from abroad.

“As a young player making my way through, if I am given an opportunity and a run in the team, I think that can only benefit me.”

Fletcher is a couple of years older than his former team-mate Rashford, but is full of praise for what he has achieved,

“I look at Marcus Rashford, for example, who has taken his chance and stayed in the team and he’s probably now one of the best strikers in England. The same can be said for Harry Kane as well.

'One of the best strikers in England' - Marcus Rashford
Getty Images

“There aren’t many young English strikers playing in the Premier League, so hopefully this season I can get even more game-time, as my ambitions are to play and do well for this massive Club

“Last season was a learning year for me, so I’ve been away and worked on getting fitter and stronger over the summer as I want to come back firing in pre-season.”

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