Anton Ferdinand is relishing life at West Ham United and told WHUTV that he is playing with freedom for "the first time in a long while".
The homegrown centre-back, who turns 23 next month, has been a rock at the heart of the defence since returning to action in stunning fashion with a goal in the 2-1 victory at home to Manchester United on 29 December. It is clear for all to see that the longest serving player at the Boleyn Ground is focused solely on his football.
"I am enjoying myself," he said. "This is the first time in a long while where I am playing with nothing over my head and I feel free. I am concentrating on nothing but football and I think that is showing in my play." Such has been the nature of his performances, that Ferdinand, who earned 17 caps as an Under-21 international, admitted he had hoped to figure in Fabio Capello's initial 30-man England squad.
He added: "I was disappointed but all I can do is play football and play well for West Ham United. That is what I am going to try and maintain." Since that United victory, Ferdinand has formed a terrific partnership with Matthew Upson, who has deservedly received an international call. Neither could be faulted for Kevin Kilbane's headed winner on Saturday - which the Wigan Athletic man has admitted was not even an attempt on goal.
Ferdinand said: "It is disappointing not take something from Wigan. I thought we deserved something. They didn't have many chances, we didn't have many chances. It was more like a game that should have been a bore draw." Much was made on Saturday of the conditions at the JJB Stadium and Ferdinand agreed the surface was not conducive to good football.
"The pitch didn't help us. We like to pass the ball, it didn't help but we can't use the pitch as an excuse. We have to play on what is given to us. We were unlucky and should have come away with something. We go out on the pitch to keep clean sheets. We have been doing well in recent times but it wasn't meant to be."
With just 22 goals against, a defensive record that is still unrivalled outside the traditional top-four clubs, there is plenty of reason to be positive. Added to that impressive statistic, West Ham United know that a win at home against Birmingham City next Saturday could yet propel them up to eighth place and potentially leave them within sight of sixth spot.
As illustrated during a difficult game at Wigan, the team will keep on going. "Whenever we let in a goal it is frustrating and upsetting but, as we showed, we might let one in but as a back line we don't stop until the end of the game," Ferdinand added. "We have got to regroup and go into Saturday's game like we do with every game, expecting to win."