WEST Ham youngster Jack Jeffrey is proving to be a valuable asset for Blue Square Premier outfit Cambridge United.

The Irons U18 striker recently agreed to stay at the Abbey for a second month and Us boss Jimmy Quinn rewarded him with his first start on Saturday.

A frustrating 0-0 draw with Weymouth was not the easiest of matches in which to make an impact, but when Jeffrey was removed on the hour-mark after a dogged display of tireless front-running, he left to a warm ovation from the 3,000 crowd.

Ex-Hammers star Quinn was equally pleased with the young forward.

He told cambridgeunited.com: "Jack came off because he had a slight knock and we want him fit for the coming matches.

"He was one of only a few players to come out of that match with some credit."

Jeffrey came closest to breaking the deadlock with a looping 30-yard effort which had not only the keeper beaten but also the far post.

"I actually thought that was going in when it left my boot," said Jeffrey.

"But it wasn't to be in the end, and although we had a lot of the ball we couldn't make it count."

The result moved Cambridge up to second in the Blue Square Premier, the first of the four play-off spots.

Jeffrey is set to start in United's bank-holiday fixture at Ebbsfleet today.