The Ivorian defender has expressed his desire to earn a spot in Sam Allardyce’s starting XI after putting in a solid performance in the Hammers’ 0-1 win over Newcastle on November 11.
West Ham United defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hamburger-SV-c39485.
The 31-year-old, who has thus far represented the Hammers in only 15 games, was Sam Allardyce first-choice at the right-back position at the start of the ongoing season. However, after tearing his hernia in his side’s 1-3 defeat at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 earlier
last month, the former Borussia Dortmund stopper lost his place to Joey O’Brien.
The Ivorian international has failed to earn back his place in the team following O’Brien’s impressive showings. However, the Hammers boss was forced to call him into action on Sunday when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/George-McCartney-c14574 had to leave the pitch due to an injury in the 66th
minute of the game.
Demel put in a solid performance, and is hopeful that his good showing at St James’ Park can earn him a spot back in the starting line-up.
“What is important is the team, so it doesn't really matter who plays. I am happy that the players in my position in the couple of games I missed did really well. It is good to have competition in the team and now I am just looking to get back to my best
form and give my best when the coach and the team need me”, the 31-year-old was quoted as saying to talkSPORT.
The Ivorian stopper, who started his professional career at Nimes Olympique in the 1999/2000 season, went on to admit that it always feels good to perform impressively after an injury lay-off.
“I tore my hernia, so I had to have an operation two weeks ago. Last week was my first back in training and I got the opportunity to play 20 minutes, so I was very happy”, Demel concluded.
The former Arsenal stopper would be hoping that he gets the nod from his coach in the Hammers’ next English Premier League encounter against Stoke City on November 20.
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