WEST HAM'S young Swiss defender Fabio Daprela will hope a string of impressive performances and a stunning solo goal for his country's under-19s side has moved him a step closer to Gianfranco Zola's first team.

The 18-year-old starred as Switzerland Under-19s won a tournament involving Greece, France and Poland. His most telling contribution demonstrated that Zola can look forward to a burst of attacking intent from the left-back position, as he dribbled past three players before finding the net in a 3-1 win over Greece.

“I had the ball in midfield and I just kept going,” Daprela told WHUFC.com. “I beat the first player, then the second and then the third. Then I found myself up against the keeper but I carried on and managed to score the goal. It was the first goal for my country so I was very happy with that.”

The youngster made the bench for the trip to Hull City on Saturday, when West Ham came away with a 3-3 draw.

And he has been told by his manager that he must put in the hard yards to win a place in the side.

“He has asked me whether I play in the reserves or the first team that I must work hard,” added Daprela. “I have to follow the older players and learn from them. I am very happy and it was great to be on the bench at Hull.”