Guy Demel is making good progress and cannot wait to make his mark on the West Ham United first team.
The defender has been putting in long hours at Chadwell Heath in order to overcome a troublesome hamstring injury that has blighted his first two months at the club. Although Demel featured on the bench at Crystal Palace last month, he has yet to make his senior Hammers bow.
He took a major step forward in this week's development squad friendly at Gillingham, playing the first half as planned. It remains to be seen if he will be involved in next Tuesday night's match away to Whyteleafe FC, but he is getting closer to his first senior appearance.
"I am much better now," he told West Ham TV. "I played 45 minutes with the reserves last Tuesday. It was good, so I feel much better. I have started training with the team. I think I need another week and hopefully I will be back after the international break.
"I still need to work on my fitness and gain my condition back. I think it is a good moment for me. It is still the international break so I have enough time to work hard. "
Demel was quick to praise the efforts of all those behind the scenes at Chadwell Heath, who have been focused on getting him fit. "The medical staff have done great work with me. It wasn't easy for me but of course it is the same for them too.
"They keep pushing me to work hard and now I am fit ai have to thank them. I can't wait to play. I am happy to be fit and looking to play.
"It was a hard situation. I want to help the team because when I came the players were really nice to me and made me welcome.
"I want to play for the fans and every one, and of course for me. It was not easy but injury is a part of football. I know how to handle this and I have come through it."