Hammers star reveals Noble ambition

Mark Noble has returned to West Ham following his three-month loan spell at Ipswich and set his sights on regular first-team football.

The 19-year-old midfielder made 13 appearances during his spell at Portman Road, and insists the experience has paved the way for him to make a push for Premiership football.

Noble said: “I’ve come back to West Ham a better player, more mature, and I just want to carry on learning now that I’m back here.

“I think I’m ready to play in the Premiership if I get the opportunity, but I know that first I’ve got to work hard and perform in training to prove to the manager that I deserve a chance.”

Noble made his mark on the Premiership 12 months ago with impressive performances against Tottenham and Manchester United.

However, a back injury prevented him from making further progress and he admits the chance probably fell to him too early.

Noble added: “If I’m honest, I don’t think I was ready for it when I came into the team last year.

“It went well for me in the first couple of games, but I had a few back problems and I probably didn’t have the experience to cope with it.

“Alan Pardew has just told me to come back here and work hard to get myself an opportunity with the first team. If I get my chance, then I’ll be determined to take it.”