Josh Cullen has revealed that he feels his future lies away from the Valley, despite an exciting and productive loan spell.

The West Ham man spent a large chunk of the season on the treatment table, but when he's played has become a hard-working and skilful addition to Lee Bowyer's side.

Any aspirations of the Addicks holding on to him in the longer term have been dashed though, as he told of his desire to return to the Hammers and hopefully make his mark under Manuel Pellegrini.

“I’ve always said I want to break into he West Ham first team,” Cullen told News Shopper.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here (Charlton) from the start, everyone been brilliant to me since I’ve joined. We’re on a decent run at the minute which makes it even more enjoyable.

“But all over my loans I’ve been trying to improve as a player and to try and eventually get back in to West Hams first team. That’s the long-term goal."

He does have one last target for his loan spell at the Valley though; promotion back to the Championship.

“The short-term goal is to give everything for Charlton, finish the seasons strongly and hopefully achieve promotion.”

The 22-year-old has started 22 times for Lee Bowyer's side as they've climbed into the top six in League One. He's started five matches for the Hammers during his career, three in the FA Cup and twice in the Europa League.

The Verdict

Cullen is a real talent and that's been proven by him consistently starting games for Charlton. When he's come back into the side, it is never as a sub.

Hopes of hanging on to him were always going to be slim, but if they go up there might be a chance he could return next season.

Breaking into the West Ham set up is not going to be easy at all.