West Ham United prospect Emmanuel Onariase has signed his first professional contract with the Hammers after being turned away earlier in his career.

The 18-year-old centre-back was also an unused substitute as the Hammers were beaten 3-0 by Arsenal last month.

It has been a miraculous turnaround for the powerful defender, who was initially rejected by the club aged 12.

He told the club website: “I played for my district in year seven and we played against West Ham and Jerome John asked me to come over to the club to train but I was told I wasn’t good enough.

“I initially came as a midfielder, so I went back to my school and then went training with Millwall.

“West Ham asked me to come back over again as a defender and they offered me a contract," he explained.

Reflecting on his new deal at Upton Park, Onariase enthused: “I’m grateful because it’s amazing.

“The club has done so much for me and I’ve improved so much here, so I just need to get to the next level now and keep on excelling.

“It’s gone from almost zero to 100 this season, but that’s football. People get injured and you’re the next in, so you have to stay on your game and always be ready.”