JARROD BOWEN faces the wrath of West Ham superfan and father-in-law-to-be Danny Dyer if he fails in his pursuit of European glory.
The Hammers are on the brink of reaching a first Euro final since 1976 – facing Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night at the London Stadium in the Europa Conference League semis.
Bowen has played his part in guiding David Moyes’ men to this stage with five goals in the competition already.
But there is extra pressure on the 26-year-old to make dreams come true in Claret and Blue by ending the club’s 43-year wait for silverware.
The winger is expecting twin girls this summer with partner Dani Dyer, whose dad is TV legend and die-hard Irons supporter Danny.
Ahead of West Ham’s first leg clash, the four-cap Englishman laughed: “The missus’ old man is obviously on me every week.
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“I’ve only been here three years but I feel a massive part of this club. I feel like a fan almost, as well.
“I know how much it means to the fans and I’m one of them who wants to give them that success.
“There is no pressure on me in that respect, there is just excitement. I want to do it. I want to score the winning goal.
“Bringing the trophy home for the fans would be a good end to a bad season.”
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Bowen has 11 goals in all competitions so far in a campaign that has seen West Ham battling relegation for most of it.
He has found form at the right time however, having narrowly missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad last November.
The Hereford-born star added: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.
“Of course, I’ll be critical, but I won’t let it affect me too much. I’ll keep playing my game.
“I’m just a boy with a dream and I’m living that dream.
“Sometimes I’ll look back and think where I am, but I always demand more of myself.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk