Djair Parfitt-Williams is looking to make up for lost time for the West Ham Under-23 side after returning from injury.

The Bermudian forward spent most of the summer recovering from a pelvis injury but is now back in action having featured in the West Ham Under-23 side’s recent matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wycombe Wanderers.

“It was obviously difficult being injured over the summer,” Parfitt-Williams said. “It was mentally really hard seeing everyone getting great opportunities with the first team, training with them, but I just wanted to encourage everyone.

“My main target now is to push on and try and play as many games for the Academy as possible and push towards the first team or go out on loan.”

West Ham Under-23s were successful last season, winning the Premier League Cup after edging Hull City on penalties in the two-legged final.

Parfitt-Williams was key to their joy in the competition, scoring four goals, including the first leg’s only goal.

“Hopefully we can do well [in the Premier League Cup again this season],” he said. “Every game and every cup we play in, I will just be trying to do my best for the team.”

Parfitt-Williams scored eight goals for the under-23s last season but has yet to open his account since returning from injury.

“I did well in front of goal last season, so of course the target is to do so again this year,” he said.

“I personally think that it’s the most important thing for a player in my position, to go and score goals. So, that’s the big target.”

West Ham Under-23s, who are third in the Premier League 2 table, are away to Aston Villa on Monday in what will be their first outing after the international break.

“Hopefully I can be pushing to start for the upcoming games,” Parfitt-Williams said. “I’m fit to play now. I need to work hard in training so that the manager can pick me.”

• Reggie Lambe is doubtful for Carlisle United’s home match with Hartlepool United today because of an illness.

Lambe missed last weekend’s 3-0 win away to Morecambe and was not involved in Carlisle reserve’s 5-0 hammering away to Burnley on Tuesday.

Nahki Wells’s Huddersfield Town, the Championship league leaders, play Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. The match will be televised on SportsMax at 8am Bermuda time.