Ruud Boffin has admitted it was a special moment to make his first West Ham appearance against Blackburn.
West Ham goalkeeper enjoyed first taste of Premier League
Goalkeeper Ruud Boffin has admitted it was a special moment to make his first West Ham appearance against Blackburn.
Avram Grant turned to the 23-year-old Belgian as Robert Green and Marek Stech were both ruled out through injury, while regular No.3 Peter Kurucz is still recovering from a long-term knee problem.
And Boffin, who only moved to Upton Park at the end of the summer, acquitted himself well as the Hammers fought back for a 1-1 draw.
He admits it was a daunting prospect to play in the Premier League but drew on his experience from his days with Dutch club VVV Venlo.
"It was nice, but it's always difficult to play on your debut. I found out on Friday that I was playing when I realised that Rob was not travelling. From that moment, I was ready to play," he told the club's
official website.
"It is a big step for me because it is one of the biggest leagues in the world. When I was asked I'd have been stupid if I'd said I didn't want to play."
Challenge
Boffin added: "I was used to it a little bit because I played a few games in the First Division in Holland, but that game is totally different.
"Here it is another country with a different type of football which is much quicker. It was a challenge.
"The boys came up to me and told me to do my own thing and if I had to do anything, to do it well."
Boffin is now aiming to play more in the Premier League and would like to be considered Green's regular understudy.
He said: "I hope to become the No.2 goalkeeper now, of course."
