Eagles happy at Hillsborough - exclusive

Last updated : 15 September 2005 By Andy Parsons

The 19-year-old winger scored a rather fortuitous winner against Leeds on Tuesday, when his free kick deceived everyone and ended up in Neil Sullivan's bottom left-hand corner.

So far he has settled in well at Wednesday and his new team-mates have really made him feel welcome, but Eagles admits that impressing Paul Sturrock and big crowds will hopefully bode well for his future prospects at Old Trafford.

He told Footymad: "The lads have been brilliant to me this season, they are more of an inspiration for me - I'm the youngest of the lot and sometimes coming in from a different club, it can be hard to be accepted but the guys have been brilliant and we have some great talent in the squad.

"Playing in front of any crowd is brilliant because I am used to playing at Altringham and Salford but it's great when the Wednesday fans are behind you and cheering you on and when you are exciting the crowd at a place like Hillsborough it's fantastic because you know the fans are right behind you and always encouraging you to do well.

"The gaffer (Sir Alex Ferguson) wanted me to come here because he knows it's still one of the biggest clubs in the land. I know Wednesday got promotion from league one last season but they are still one of the biggest clubs around. Since I have been here I have realised that it is a great city and a great club and I am sure that they can see good things again in the future."

Eagles has so far come under a little criticism from both manager and supporters alike but it is all part of the learning curve for Hemel Hempstead-born youngster.

"I have been pleased with my performances so far but not the results," he adds. "You can't look down and you have to look at the positives because we have to keep our heads high and keep gunning for wins.

"I go back in December but hopefully I improve in every single game before then, maybe I will go back and the manager at Manchester United will see my progress and start to involve me more at Old Trafford but having said that I am hoping that I stay here all season playing in front of big crowds and good players. Old Trafford's that big that hopefully when I do get to play there I do not get phased by the crowds because I am used to it."

With the likes of Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt, former Liverpool star Richie Partridge and JP McGovern all battling for places, Eagles knows there is some decent competition at Hillsborough but will take it all in his stride.

He said: "We have some great competition here but like I have said, it's all about getting your head down and training well. If I do well in training then hopefully I will be playing in all of the games and do a good job."