Freddie Ljungberg is relishing the chance of an extended run in the West Ham United first team after a solid return to the starting lineup against Everton.
The midfielder came in for the cup-tied Nolberto Solano in the midweek cup quarter-final, when a late goal dashed home hopes of Carling Cup progress. Although admitting it was "very disappointing" to see the side eliminated, he was happy to get an extended run-out after overcoming injury and migraine troubles.
Speaking to WHUTV, he said: "I am just happy to be out playing again and hopefully I can be injury free and just keep on going and do my best for West Ham because that's why I am here." He added that the side would look to put that defeat behind them in the league encounter against Everton on Saturday, stating simply "of course, we are going to try to win".
Reflecting on the 2-1 cup defeat, he said: "We started well and scored a goal and maybe we sat back a little bit. Unfortunately, they dominated the end of the first half and got a goal. In the second half we got started again and we got some speed on the ball and created some good chances.
"We pinned them back a little bit. Unfortunately, they got a scrappy goal where we had a bit of a misunderstanding at the back so it is a harsh way to go out." Moving forwards, league games will come thick and fast over the coming weeks and there is a real chance for the club to make ground on the top six or seven - starting this weekend.
Chief among the forthcoming fixtures for Ljungberg though will be the trip to his former club Arsenal, with West Ham United hoping to repeat last season's feat of becoming the first team to win at the Emirates when they arrive on New Year's Day. "It is a big game," he said. "But for us, every game in the league is important.
"Of course, it is a special occasion for me, I was there for ten years. It is going to be a special day, but only if we win." Recalling the previous meeting when he was wearing the Arsenal red as Bobby Zamora scored a wonder goal and Robert Green produced heroics to keep out a strong home side, Ljungberg said: "If we can be that lucky this year, that will be very good! Hopefully we can win."