JONATHAN Spector will be eager to cement his place on the right of the defence against Everton on Saturday after forcing his way into Gianfranco Zola’s first XI in recent weeks.

Ahead of last night’s clash with Aston Villa, Spector appeared to have usurped Julien Faubert in the battle for the right-back slot, having started two games in succession against Arsenal and Sunderland.

French full-back Faubert has failed to impress since arriving back from his six-month loan spell at Real Madrid last season, despite being handed a place in the first team by Zola.

But a number of unconvincing performances has forced the manager’s hand, leaving the door open for Spector to show what he can do.

The USA international, who is first choice at right-back for his country, is keen to make the most of his opportunity, with David Moyes’ Everton side the next visitors to Upton Park, following last night’s home game against Aston Villa.

However, Spector admitted it has been hard biding his time on the sidelines.

“I think it is frustrating for any player who is not in the team, but you just have to keep your chin up, work hard and wait for your opportunity,” he said.

That hard work appears to have paid dividends, and his promotion to the starting XI could hardly have been timed better, as the run-up to next summer’s World Cup in South Africa begins in earnest.

The USA have already booked their place in the finals and Spector is determined to arrive in the Rainbow Nation in peak playing condition, having missed out last time around in Germany.

“It would certainly help (to play more games). It will be a huge honour to represent my country on the world stage. I missed the last World Cup in Germany and I missed the Olympics as well, so I’ve had a little bit of misfortune when it comes to international football.”

Back on home soil, West Ham could not have chosen a better time to face an out-of-sorts Everton side.

The Toffees’ draw at home to Villa on Saturday was preceded by losses at Tottenham and Bolton in the league. u Go to guardian-series.co.uk/sport for all the details of West Ham’s big Premier League match with Aston Villa last night.