Faubert happy to end his West Ham goal drought

By Simon Hayes on February 25, 2010 5:38 PM |

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It may have taken over two years and 50 appearances but Julien Faubert's first goal for West Ham was worth the wait.

The French defender hit an injury time screamer in last Saturday's 3-0 win over Hull City at Upton Park to break his duck and the former misfit is rapidly establishing himself as a fans' favourite.

He said: "It's my first goal for a long time. I tried with my left foot before, I tried with my right and scored, so I'm very happy. We had to win this game. We are fighting against Hull directly, so it's a good result. It was a big match for us."

Faubert's West Ham career has had its set-backs. A ruptured achilles tendon wiped out his first season after joining from Bordeaux for £6.1million in the summer of 2007.

On his return he looked well short of Premier League quality and he was loaned to Real Madrid a year ago, but he made just two appearances there.

Faubert returned to West Ham last summer determined to prove himself to the Irons faithful, switching from winger to right-back.

He said: "I had a bad moment when I came here with my achilles rupture and it was hard to come back. Then I had a bad moment in Madrid. I was not fit when I came back, but I worked hard over the summer and am careful about my weight. I just want to keep going and play regularly.

"Mentally and physically I am at my best. I'm a bit older now and I can feel the game better. With Valon Behrami we know each other very well and when I go forward he covers me and I think now I am at my best level."

Faubert's recent form has helped the Irons pull away from the Premier League relegation zone. He now wants to force his way into France's World Cup squad this summer.

He said: "I am 26 and when you're my age you think about the national team. I am just waiting. When I came to West Ham the manager didn't think it was a good decision but I think it is, because it's a nice club.

"I play in the Premier League and I look forward to getting into the national team. I wait for the World Cup. I'm not sure if I can go but maybe for the next round I hope I am available to play for the national team."