Spector eyes first-team return

Fit-again Hammers stopper looking to impress Zola

Last updated: 16th December 2008

Spector eyes first-team return

Spector: Fit again

I need at least one more reserve game before I feel fit enough to be in with the first team - but I will certainly be pushing myself to be back as soon as possible.

Spector
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Jonathan Spector is targeting a return to West Ham's first-team after successfully coming through a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week.

The former Manchester United defender has not had a chance to impress manager Gianfranco Zola this season after spending all of the campaign on the sidelines with a hip problem.

However, the 22-year-old USA international has fully recovered from the knock and is now hoping to play in West Ham's first-team before the turn of the New Year.

Spector accepts he will need a reserve team game before being considered for first-team duty, although that is not stopping him from being available for Zola as soon as possible.

Happy to be back

"I am certainly happy to be back after being out for such an extended period of time," he told the club's official website.

"It was definitely nice to have that vote of confidence and I was just excited about playing more than anything else.

"I need at least one more reserve game before I feel fit enough to be in with the first team - but I will certainly be pushing myself to be back as soon as possible.

"I think the manager has only seen me in training up to now so it was nice to do that and show him a little of what I can do."