Harrison Ashby thought he was making European debut for West Ham v Genk
West Ham United made it three wins in as many Europa League group games on Thursday night, securing a 3-0 victory against Genk.
David Moyes handed a first-ever senior appearance to under-23 midfielder Daniel Chesters with a minute left in regulation time, but his teammate Harrison Ashby thought he was coming on earlier.
According to Football.London, the 19-year-old believed he was set to make his European debut after Kevin Nolan called him back to the bench from his warm-up.
However, with only three players allowed to be on the touchline at any one time according to UEFA rule book, the fourth official told the Hammers coach he had to bring one player back to the bench as Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Chesters were already warming up.
Ashby had sprinted back and was ready to change and come on, but was gutted when he found out the real reason why he was beckoned, and Nolan eventually gave him a warm hug as they both saw the funny side.
Sooner or later
The youngster made his first-team bow in September 2020, replacing Ben Johnson in the 84th minute of the League Cup clash against Charlton Athletic.
He has since made another appearance since then and will be itching to be involved in more action this term.
That is very much likely to be on the cards, though, after West Ham established a six-point gap at the top of Group H last night.
The Hammers need just four more points from their next three games to finish as leaders, and Ashby and some of the under-23 starlets could be getting a chance if wins are secured in the next two games.
Playing in Europe is a thing of joy for any player, and the teenager was clearly elated after he thought he was going to come on.
Unfortunately, it did not happen last night, but it could be closer than imagined once the top spot is sealed in the coming matchdays.
In other West Ham news, Jack Wilshere has predicted major Hammers exit, but reckons one goal would stop it.
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