Brent, on a six month loan spell from Levski Sofia, is hoping to make the move permanent - but first he has to break through the mass of competition in midfield to grab some Premiership action.
He is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task, but is confident he can meet the challenge head on. "It is going to be difficult and I expected that, but I am working hard.
"It is a battle but I just need the opportunity to prove myself; I think I will get it soon - then I have to grasp it.
"I expected to be under a lot of pressure because of the quality of the midfield.
"There will not be a lot of time to impress so I have to do it right away if I do get on the field."
Although Brent has not been selected for the squad to face WBA, as he is still adjusting to life in England, he is only too aware of the difference between Premiership football and the reserves.
"It is faster, more technical, and the quality of the opposition will be better, but I am preparing myself and I just need the opportunity," he says.
Brent became the first West Ham player to be sent off this season after two bookable offences against Wimbledon last week.
But he insists:
"It was a bit harsh from the referee; there were just two minutes left and it was only a minor foul.
"The first one was a foul but I don't think I deserved the second, but everyone has their opinion, I guess.
"Overall I thought I was doing pretty well, though."
Meanwhile, Brent recently had a chat with his friend and Trinidadian compatriot Shaka Hislop, who initially recommended him to Harry Redknapp, who brought him in on trial two seasons ago.
Technically, his Portsmouth side are just one place below the Hammers as they sit on top of the first division while West Ham prop up the basement.
"He said everything is going pretty well for them right now," says Brent.
"But I think things will turn around here sooner rather than later."