Reid relishing lead role

Globetrotter Winston Reid is in arguably the finest form he has ever been in a West Ham United shirt.

Despite spending more than 24 hours in the air travelling back from international duty with New Zealand last week, the centre-back produced a man-of-the-match display in Saturday's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Norwich City.

The 24-year-old was everywhere, winning headers, making vital interceptions and looking comfortable in possession - traits that have been typical of the defender signed from Danish side FC Midtjylland in the summer of 2010.

After a tough first campaign in English football that ended with West Ham being relegated, Reid made himself indispensable last season as the Hammers won promotion and has arguably reached even greater highs in helping his side to keep three clean sheets in their opening four league matches.

"I thought it was good to come away with a clean sheet as Norwich is a tough place to come," the No2 told West Ham TV. "We had some chances to score but so did they so I thought we deserved a point.

"I think the whole defensive unit and the guys in front of them have been working hard this season. I think we've done well.

"I put my own form down to hard work and to the rest of the guys as well. I think if you work hard you get your rewards at the end.

"My first season at the club was a difficult season for me and for the whole club. Fortunately enough, things have turned around."

When asked if he now felt like an integral member of Sam Allardyce's starting XI, Reid was typically understated but did concede that he had the confidence and belief that his name should be on the teamsheet every week.

"I think you have to feel like you're an important member of the team otherwise you wouldn't have any confidence as a player. It's not about being cocky or anything, but you have to believe in yourself like the rest of the players do and think you should play week-in, week-out. When you get the chance, it's just up to you to take it."

Reid's all-action performance was all the more impressive when you consider that he had boarded six flights in the previous week-and-a-half, jetting to Australia and then on to New Zealand and New Caledonia for two important FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

"I got back on Thursday night after three stopovers, so it was about a 26 or 27-hour journey. I actually slept a lot on the plane so it wasn't too bad, but I'm pretty knackered right now!

"I trained on Friday for a little bit so it was OK. I've got a couple of days off so I'll enjoy that.

"Saturday was a pretty tough game and the last 15 minutes were very tough so I was just trying to get through it, keep it simple and help us to keep a clean sheet at the back."

Reid was assisted by an unbeatable display from goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who showed all of his ability and experience in keeping the Canaries at bay at Carrow Road.

"Jussi has been good for us. He communicates very well and has obviously played in the Premier League for a number of seasons so it's good for us to have someone like him behind us."

Having picked up their first away point of the season, the Auckland-born player is now aiming to maintain the Hammers' 100 per cent home record when Sunderland visit the Boleyn Ground next weekend.

Aston Villa and Fulham have both left east London empty-handed and Reid is confident that West Ham have more than enough to defeat the Black Cats, despite the possible absence of England international striker Andy Carroll.

"Home form is always important in the Premier League. Last year we didn't do too well but this season we've started strongly at home and we want to keep that going.

"We've got a lot of firepower up there and were scoring goals before Andy came so I'm sure we'll be fine."