SHAKA Hislop returned to Premier League action for West Ham United
after an absence of almost four years in the 2-1 win over
Middlesbrough, and it was like the former Hammer of the Year had
never been away.
Commanding and comfortable, Shaka made light of the fact he was
playing his first League game since January and making his first
League outing in the claret and blue since a 4-4 draw against
Charlton Athletic at the Valley in November 2001.
"I was very pleased with my performance," admitted Shaka.
"It was my first League game since January, but I've
trained well since I came here and felt comfortable about coming
in.
"The fans were fantastic. I always had a great relationship
with the West Ham supporters and it was brilliant to hear them give
me a good reception. It was good to be back playing in front of
them again.
"It was also good to be in the winning team for my first game
back. I think it was a good team performance and a game that we
deserved to win."
However, Hammers were grateful for the intervention of assistant
referee Ralph Bone to award their winning goal. Shaka had
sympathy with opposite number Mark Schwarzer, but explained that
you have to take your luck when it comes along.
"Things happen in football and it can be tough but you have to
accept them," he said. "If it happened to me I would have
felt aggrieved and it was a good break for us.
"But in football you get good luck and bad luck and that's
what you have to take. It went for us against Middlesbrough, but
there may be a time this season when it goes against us and you
have to take it on the chin and get on with it.
"We put in a strong performance and with the chances we had I
think we deserved to take the three points. Over the 90 minutes we
were the better side and Nigel Reo-Coker was disappointed to have
his effort ruled out for offside."
The win over Middlesbrough was Shaka's first opportunity to
play behind the central defensive partnership of Anton Ferdinand
and Danny Gabbidon, and the experienced goalkeeper was impressed
with the young pairing.
"It is a young defence with the likes of Danny, Anton and Paul
Konchesky," he said. "Tomas Repka adds some important
experience and he had a very good game against Middlesbrough.
"I've watched the two centre-backs all season and have
been very impressed with the way they've coped at this level.
"They both have tremendous pace and have looked very solid
this season playing against some of the best strikers in the
country.
"It is a joy to play behind a defence like ours and hopefully
we can put in another solid display in our next League game against
Anfield."
With Roy Carroll likely to be out for up to a month with a knee
injury Shaka has got a chance to cement his place in the side, but
is simply determined to do the best job he can for Alan
Pardew's team.
"The manager brought me in to compete with Roy for a place in
the team," he added, "and that's all I've tried
to do. Roy's injury is very unfortunate for him, but I've
got a chance now and all I want to focus on is doing the best I can
and hopefully help the team continue its strong start to the
season."
Shaka Makes Mighty Comeback
25th October 2005