WEST Ham United prospect Taylor Tombides says he is happy to harbour high expectations after making an immediate impression at Canvey Island.

The 18-year-old Australian burst onto the scene at the Gulls with a hat-trick on his debut in last weekend’s 4-3 defeat to Bury Town.

And Tombides says he can’t wait to pull on the yellow jersey again when Maidstone United come to town tomorrow.

“It was a great debut for me,” said the former under-16 Australian international. “Getting three goals was a dream and all I could have asked for was for the team to win.

“But on a personal note it doesn’t get much better than that, but I couldn’t have scored any of those goals without the team.

“I knew I was playing up front before the game and it was a different experience for me in a new system.

“I normally play in a 4-3-3, but to play up front with a target man was something I enjoyed. Enoch (Showunmi) can play off me and I can play off him so it could work well.

“Doing well on your debut means people expect more from you, but I am happy to have that pressure.”

The youngster is not short of confidence and admits he is more than happy to get stuck in as Canvey look to pull themselves away from the relegation places.

“I am a clinical finisher and can score different types of goals,” he said. “But I also like to get back and help the defence if I play slightly deeper. I’m not afraid to get dirty and tackle.

“Canvey are a good team and my early impressions have been really positive.”

Tombides is the third young West Ham starlet to make an impression at the Prospects Stadium this season, after goalkeeper Tim Brown and midfielder Ben Marlow joined earlier in the year.

And he said having his parent-club colleagues alongside him has helped him settle in quickly.

“I know Tim and Ben really well,” he added. “I have played with them both on a number of occasions and it definitely helps having some familiar faces when you come to a new club.

“Canvey want to play football the right way and I know I am going to enjoy my time here.

“But tomorrow it is all about the three points. I just want to win.”

l Canvey Island are almost at full strength for the visit of promotion-chasing Maidstone. Only Harrison Chatting (suspended) and Joe Carter (knee) are unavailable, with captain Jay Curran set to return.