Laurent Courtois admits that he was 'very tired' after his
first Premiership start for the Hammers.
Laurent, who had previously made substitute appearances at Liverpool and Reading, was delighted to get the nod by Glenn Roeder to make his home debut against Newcastle in the absence of Joe Cole.
"I was very happy," he says, "but the main thing is the win.
"I needed a few minutes to get into the game, and in the second half I got very tired.
"I played in France and it was fast there as well, but I haven't had much Premiership action, and that is the reason."
The occasion saw him come out on top of compatriot Laurent Robert, a rather more high profile signing - who could have joined the Hammers himself.
Harry Redknapp claimed that he had agreed a deal in principle to bring Robert to the club - had he done so the 22 year old Courtois, despite being recommended by Fredi Kanoute, could well have ended up elsewhere.
But the pair did not get the opportunity to compare notes, and Laurent says:
"I know Laurent Robert but I didn't have the time to talk to him after the game.
"The French players in the Newcastle side were not so happy, but that's not a problem!"
Laurent knows he is unlikely to be a permanent fixture in the side this season, though another display at Everton to compare with the Newcastle performance will certainly give Glenn Roeder an interesting selection problem when Joe returns after the international break.
"I hope to play as often as I can, but if not I will be patient.
"Every time the coach asks me to play I have to do my best, so we will see."
His main thoughts are about the club as a whole, though, and he adds:
"We are off the bottom and we have two games in hand; but there is a big challenge ahead."
Laurent, who had previously made substitute appearances at Liverpool and Reading, was delighted to get the nod by Glenn Roeder to make his home debut against Newcastle in the absence of Joe Cole.
"I was very happy," he says, "but the main thing is the win.
"I needed a few minutes to get into the game, and in the second half I got very tired.
"I played in France and it was fast there as well, but I haven't had much Premiership action, and that is the reason."
The occasion saw him come out on top of compatriot Laurent Robert, a rather more high profile signing - who could have joined the Hammers himself.
Harry Redknapp claimed that he had agreed a deal in principle to bring Robert to the club - had he done so the 22 year old Courtois, despite being recommended by Fredi Kanoute, could well have ended up elsewhere.
But the pair did not get the opportunity to compare notes, and Laurent says:
"I know Laurent Robert but I didn't have the time to talk to him after the game.
"The French players in the Newcastle side were not so happy, but that's not a problem!"
Laurent knows he is unlikely to be a permanent fixture in the side this season, though another display at Everton to compare with the Newcastle performance will certainly give Glenn Roeder an interesting selection problem when Joe returns after the international break.
"I hope to play as often as I can, but if not I will be patient.
"Every time the coach asks me to play I have to do my best, so we will see."
His main thoughts are about the club as a whole, though, and he adds:
"We are off the bottom and we have two games in hand; but there is a big challenge ahead."