It may not have been a debut to remember, but Jonathan
Spector insists there were some positives to be taken from last
night's UEFA Cup first round defeat against Palermo in
Sicily.
The USA international defender made his first appearance for the Club in the 3-0 defeat against the Serie A high-flyers - filling in at right-back following a defensive injury crisis at Upton Park - and although the outcome was a disappointing one, he impressed with a solid display that may lead to an extended run in Alan Pardew's side.
"It was nice to make my debut for the Club," says the 20-year-old. "I've had to work hard after coming in with an injury, so it was good to play my first game in more than five months but, at the same time, it was disappointing to lose the game and see the team knocked out of the UEFA Cup.
"Palermo are a very good side, though, and I felt there were some positives to take from our performance. Both legs were pretty similar - we had a lot of possession and caused them some problems, but I think the main difference was that, when they got their chances, they took them.
"Their goalkeeper made some great saves last night, so full credit to him, and in the end I felt we were just a bit unlucky not to have scored the goal that would have really lifted everyone.
"Now we just have to look forward to the match against Reading on Sunday. We want to make it right again straight away, and this our chance to do that."
And having finally pulled on a claret and blue shirt after recovering from the serious shoulder injury sustained while on loan at Charlton Athletic last April, the former Manchester United youngster admits he is now looking forward to the challenge ahead of him at Upton Park.
"It's a good feeling to have finally played for the Club," he says. "Coming here with an injury kind of put me behind a bit, and you never really feel comfortable until you are able to get out on the pitch and play matches for your new team.
"There are quite a few injuries at the Club right now, and hopefully there will be a chance for me to get some games under my belt. I've played some reserve team matches that have helped me to improve my general fitness, and now I just want to keep working hard in the hope of playing more often."
The USA international defender made his first appearance for the Club in the 3-0 defeat against the Serie A high-flyers - filling in at right-back following a defensive injury crisis at Upton Park - and although the outcome was a disappointing one, he impressed with a solid display that may lead to an extended run in Alan Pardew's side.
"It was nice to make my debut for the Club," says the 20-year-old. "I've had to work hard after coming in with an injury, so it was good to play my first game in more than five months but, at the same time, it was disappointing to lose the game and see the team knocked out of the UEFA Cup.
"Palermo are a very good side, though, and I felt there were some positives to take from our performance. Both legs were pretty similar - we had a lot of possession and caused them some problems, but I think the main difference was that, when they got their chances, they took them.
"Their goalkeeper made some great saves last night, so full credit to him, and in the end I felt we were just a bit unlucky not to have scored the goal that would have really lifted everyone.
"Now we just have to look forward to the match against Reading on Sunday. We want to make it right again straight away, and this our chance to do that."
And having finally pulled on a claret and blue shirt after recovering from the serious shoulder injury sustained while on loan at Charlton Athletic last April, the former Manchester United youngster admits he is now looking forward to the challenge ahead of him at Upton Park.
"It's a good feeling to have finally played for the Club," he says. "Coming here with an injury kind of put me behind a bit, and you never really feel comfortable until you are able to get out on the pitch and play matches for your new team.
"There are quite a few injuries at the Club right now, and hopefully there will be a chance for me to get some games under my belt. I've played some reserve team matches that have helped me to improve my general fitness, and now I just want to keep working hard in the hope of playing more often."