Valon Behrami has said he is "feeling good" as he puts in the hours at Chadwell Heath to ensure he is fit and well for the rest of the season.
The hugely popular midfielder was back on the bench last weekend as he continues to feel his way back from a long-term knee injury and played a part late on in the club coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Fulham. "It was a good feeling to be back," he said. "I am feeling good and my condition has improved a lot but unfortunately we didn't win so I'm very disappointed with that.
"We have to understand to see that sometimes this happens and we need to have a good reaction so in the future this does not happen. I have a few weeks off. It is good as I can improve my condition and the strength of my left leg. "
The 24-year-old is hoping to be involved again at Stoke City on Saturday week and welcomed the extra responsibility of helping to turn things around under the guidance of Gianfranco Zola. "The manager is positive every time but obviously he has given us a bit of pressure as he has to do.
"Everyone needs to give more, some more running and it's normal. We have to give an answer to score from midfield and at the back and the first thing is to get a point before we start thinking about individual things."
He was not quite ready this week for a return for Switzerland and their final 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers away to Luxembourg and at home to Israel. As Group 2 leaders and with a three-point advantage on nearest rivals Greece, it looks likely that Behrami will get to match the feat of playing at the 2006 finals.
"It is OK," said Behrami, "I am disappointed to miss out for Switzerland but that is normal as I didn't play any games. I will just watch it on the telly and work harder with West Ham."