Winston Reid is proving a handful at both ends of the pitch for West Ham United.
The likeable New Zealand defender has put his body on the line for the Hammers this season and, going forward, has proved his worth by winning two penalties in the last two matches.
Reid has forged an impressive partnership with James Tomkins, and the duo have helped the team to two successive 1-0 wins in the npower Championship in 2012.
They were also the partnership back on 28 August when Reid scored his first goal of the season in a 4-1 win away to Nottingham Forest. It is to be hoped he can come up with a similar contribution for this Saturday's return at the Boleyn Ground.
Last weekend against Portsmouth, Reid was bundled over in the box by former Hammers defender Tal Ben Haim to earn the spot-kick duly converted by Mark Noble. He then helped the team weather the Pompey storm as they pushed for an equaliser that never came at Fratton Park.
"It was very important [to win at Portsmouth]," he told West Ham TV. "Obviously it is a hard place to come. They have a good home record so it was good to get the three points and a clean sheet as well."
Of the penalty decision, he was certain it was the correct call. "I think we played it into Nobby [Kevin Nolan] and he flicked it on. I was trying to hold him off really. I felt I got out of balance and he pulled me over and it was a penalty.
"There were no complaints. The ref was in a good position and everyone that could see it thought it was a penalty."
Having also been fouled for a penalty at Hillsborough in the FA Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday, Reid is certainly making his presence known in the opposing area this season.
However, he was modest when asked about his forceful contribution. "I don't know, it is just a bit of luck. Tonks is good in the air too and when Abdoulaye [Faye] is playing he is good as well. "
What has been notable is the way Reid has thrown himself into action since his return on New Year's Eve after two months out with a shoulder injury. He admitted it had the potential to cause him a more serious problem.
"Obviously with the shoulder it was always going to be complicated because if I didn't get it right this time and if it had popped out again I might have had to have an operation and be out for six or seven months.
"We took our time with it. I have come through it pretty OK and my shoulder feels all right. There is still some jittery moments but you have to get your head around it and it is getting better."
Getting better is something that could be applied to Reid in summary of his season so far, with the centre-back, still only 22, having settled down to London life after a tough first campaign in 2010/11. Close attention from Sam Allardyce has brought out the best in him.
"Obviously when you get some trust from the manager it is nice. My first season over here was difficult but things are going better for me personally now. I am really happy and I will keep looking forward to the rest of the season.
"It is not going to be easy but we have faith in our squad, the players we have got and our strengths. So hopefully we can get promotion."
Key to that will be defensive strength and Reid is quick to praise the No1 who is helping keep things tight behind him - namely Robert Green. "That's what you need at the back, you need a good keeper to save you. Greeny is fantastic keeper and has done a great job throughout the whole season. We are very fortunate to have him."
Competition for places will keep everyone on their toes and the Kiwi is not worried that Big Sam has recently recruited 24-year-old George John from FC Dallas to challenge his defenders.
"It is always good to have a stronger squad for competition. We have been a bit unlucky with injuries at the back and had to rotate a little bit more than we probably wanted to. It is good for the squad all round to have competition. I am sure George is going to be a good player."