The new West Ham signing, who made an unexpected debut against Manchester City, is already delighted with how things are going at his new club
Sam Byram was not even meant to be on the bench for West Ham's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester City on Saturday, but he ended up playing 77 minutes as he made his Premier League debut.
The highly rated full-back signed from Championship outfit Leeds United during the week and was a late call-up to the bench for the game against title challengers City.
An injury to Carl Jenkinson forced manager Slaven Bilic's hand to give the 22-year-old his top-flight debut earlier than expected.
"It was unbelievable," he told Sky Sports. "To come on in 13th minute wasn't something I was expecting, but I've dreamt about this moment since I was a little boy and to be able to come on and make my Premier League debut, I'm unbelievably pleased."
Byram said just making the bench was a surprise.
"One of the lads had a bit of a knock in training. That meant he wasn't involved and I got the call up onto the bench," he said.
"I was just pleased to be involved and to be able to come in and see how everything works on a match day.
"I wasn't expecting to come on as soon as I did, but I enjoyed it."
So far, coming up against team-mate Dimitri Payet has proven the the most eye-opening part of life at Upton Park.
"Training has been tough, [Payet is] hands down the best player I've had the chance to play with," Byram added.
"If I can learn a thing or two off him I'll be a better player."
- Goal