Tristan hoping to repay faith

West Ham striker happy with fitness

Last updated: 6th November 2008

Tristan hoping to repay faith

Tristan: Building fitness

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Diego Tristan is happy with his fitness and hopes to make a major impact in the Premier League.

The Spanish striker joined West Ham on a free transfer in October after being released by Livorno at the end of last season.

He has yet to play for Gianfranco Zola's side as he needed time to regain his full fitness.

Tristan has featured for the reserves and was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at the weekend.

He could make an appearance against Everton this Saturday and is relishing the challenge of trying to make a name for himself in the Premier League.

"I have played with the second team and my personal performances have been positives," he told skysports.com.

"I have not noticed physical problems and that is very important.

"Game by game I am getting to the level necessary to play in the Premier League but the decision is down to the coach.

"For me to play in England is a personal challenge but it is obvious that I have to work hard to get in the team.

"Zola has confidence in me and I hope to repay that with games and goals."