CARL Fletcher return to action for West Ham United in the 2-1
Reserve team defeat to Spurs and later explained his determination
to force his way into Alan Pardew's first-team plans.
The Wales international has spent the past month on loan at Watford, but is now back at Chadwell Heath looking to get stuck into training in the hope of regaining his place in the Hammers first-team.
"The Premiership is where every player wants to be and I'm no different," he said. "There is a good squad of players at West Ham United and I am one of the players that is pushing hard for a place in the team.
"There are only 11 places up for grabs so you have to play well if you want to be a part of it.
"I'd play in goal if it meant getting a game, but any position be it midfield or defence would suit me. I've just got to work hard in training and do my best to break through."
Carl's return to the Hammers did not go to plan with the 2-1 defeat against North London neighbours Tottenham, and the former Bournemouth star admitted that the team left the pitch disappointed.
"Everyone knows that they can do better than that," he said. "It was just one of those games really. It wasn't the best of performances from our point of view and the lads were disappointed in the dressing room afterwards.
"It was a strong Tottenham side and they made it tough for us, but we had a lot more to offer than what we showed."
After a spell on the West Ham sidelines, Carl has been pleased to get some matches under his belt at Vicarage Road, as well as on international duty with Wales.
"It's been great to get some games in," he admitted. "Playing regularly for Watford was important to keep my fitness up and stay match sharp. It was also great to get some matches in for Wales.
"We had two good wins and it was encouraging to finish the World Cup campaign on a positive note. We had put a lot of hard work into the other games without getting the results, so it was nice to turn things around at the end."
Carl will now be involved in the build-up to Sunday's clash with Middlesbrough at Upton Park, where Hammers will look to put the disappointment of last weekend's defeat to Manchester City behind them.
"We were all disappointed about the way it went against Manchester City," he confessed, "but the boys are determined to put things right against Middlesbrough.
"We've got an important few days coming up to prepare for the game, but everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can get back to the form we have shown so far this season."
The Wales international has spent the past month on loan at Watford, but is now back at Chadwell Heath looking to get stuck into training in the hope of regaining his place in the Hammers first-team.
"The Premiership is where every player wants to be and I'm no different," he said. "There is a good squad of players at West Ham United and I am one of the players that is pushing hard for a place in the team.
"There are only 11 places up for grabs so you have to play well if you want to be a part of it.
"I'd play in goal if it meant getting a game, but any position be it midfield or defence would suit me. I've just got to work hard in training and do my best to break through."
Carl's return to the Hammers did not go to plan with the 2-1 defeat against North London neighbours Tottenham, and the former Bournemouth star admitted that the team left the pitch disappointed.
"Everyone knows that they can do better than that," he said. "It was just one of those games really. It wasn't the best of performances from our point of view and the lads were disappointed in the dressing room afterwards.
"It was a strong Tottenham side and they made it tough for us, but we had a lot more to offer than what we showed."
After a spell on the West Ham sidelines, Carl has been pleased to get some matches under his belt at Vicarage Road, as well as on international duty with Wales.
"It's been great to get some games in," he admitted. "Playing regularly for Watford was important to keep my fitness up and stay match sharp. It was also great to get some matches in for Wales.
"We had two good wins and it was encouraging to finish the World Cup campaign on a positive note. We had put a lot of hard work into the other games without getting the results, so it was nice to turn things around at the end."
Carl will now be involved in the build-up to Sunday's clash with Middlesbrough at Upton Park, where Hammers will look to put the disappointment of last weekend's defeat to Manchester City behind them.
"We were all disappointed about the way it went against Manchester City," he confessed, "but the boys are determined to put things right against Middlesbrough.
"We've got an important few days coming up to prepare for the game, but everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can get back to the form we have shown so far this season."