TONI Martinez says he is determined to make his mark at West Ham United and try to force his way into their first-team set-up.

The Spanish striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Oxford United, and admits his spell at the Kassam Stadium has greatly helped develop him as a player.

U’s head coach Michael Appleton has made no secret of his desire to try to re-sign the 19-year-old next season, but is expecting to face stiff competition.

Martinez missed Oxford’s run-in with a knee injury, but recovered in time to play for West Ham Under 23s this week.

He scored twice as the Hammers beat Newcastle United 2-1 to secure promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1.

And the Spain Under 17 international says his aim is now to impress the West Ham hierarchy and push towards the first team.

“In the box, yes I’m always confident and feel like I can score goals,” he told West Ham’s official website.

“I’m just looking forward to next season now and I’m going to work very hard to get my opportunity – there’s nothing more you can do.

“I know how difficult it is to play for the first team and to break into the squad, but I’m going to do my best to try and do this.”

Martinez, signed by West Ham for £2.4million from Valencia, started nine games in his 17 appearances for Oxford, scoring three times.

He instantly became a fans’ favourite and says his time with the U’s will stand him in good stead for the future.

“I enjoyed my time in Oxford very much,” he said.

“But of course I was happy to be back and return for this important game at the end of the season.

“I learnt a lot at Oxford – I learnt the game of playing direct football, physical football.

“I got lots of experience of dealing with this and long balls and it’s a different game.

“I think this is important for strikers to have experience playing like this.

“Now I’m looking forward to next season.”