Jonathan Spector seems tailor-made for West Ham. Like his club, the Illinois-born defender is brimming with talent, but for some reason has not quite yet stamped his presence on the Premier League.

As in the first half of last season, the US international has been an intermittent fixture in the claret and blue, with 10 appearances out of a possible 20.

Every Saturday, US soccer fans skim their eyes over the Hammers starting eleven, hoping Spector will be listed among them, but so far in 2007/08, he has only made three starts.

"I'll never be satisfied with playing time until I'm starting every game," Spector told American Soccer Daily.

"Each opportunity I get, no matter where I am playing, I try and make an impact and contribution to the team. I feel that I am continuing to learn and improve each season, which is important for any player, particularly at my age."

At just under 21 years old, time is still on his side, and in the days of squad rotation and a fluid international market, no player is guaranteed a shoe-in.

At his third club in four seasons, however, the former Charlton and Manchester United defender is eager to cement a starting spot, but is still hop-on, hop-off for now.

Last season, he saw off the challenge of Ghana international John Paintsil at left back, but this season the American has found the impressive play of Northern Irishman George McCartney a tougher nut to crack.

Beyond his youth, what may be another ace up Spector’s sleeve however, is his ability to switch positions.

"I feel that my versatility has enabled me to play in a number of different roles," he agreed. "As most people know, I can play anywhere along the back four, but I've played a number of games in the center of midfield, which I have enjoyed and where I felt comfortable straight away."

The Hammers are one win from reaching the top half of the Premier League. Dazed from two home defeats to Everton in four days (one in the League Cup) and the shock midweek departure of chief executive Eggert Magnusson, Alan Curbishley's men are still waiting to shift their season into a higher gear.

With a strong roster, the Thames Irons should be doing better, but two wins in eight at Upton Park is not the type of form that will carry them into Europe.

"In many cases, progress takes time," said Spector. "But if you compare the season thus far to last year, we have made a massive leap forward."

"I don't think last year's season can be used as a benchmark because we significantly underachieved. I think a finish within the top half of the Premiership is well within reach, but we should be pushing for a spot in the UEFA Cup. It is important to set high, yet realistic goals."

The near-death experience of last season is now history. The East Londoners survived on the final day with a miracle win at Manchester United. Curbishley is still the coach, but late-season savior Carlos Tevez is now a Red Devil. Striker Dean Ashton is fit, however, and in the goals again, but what has changed above all is the mood at the club.

"I think when things are going well at a football club, it is generally going to be a more enjoyable atmosphere and experience than when things aren't going well, just as it would be at any place of work," offered Spector.

"It's hard to say why we didn't perform well last season. You can point to injuries and things of that nature, but we've had a number of injuries this year as well, yet we have been able to cope."

"We had a good squad last season, but we have strengthened it in the last two transfer windows, which have made a major impact. With all the new signings that have arrived, the dynamic of the club has changed and there is a great team spirit at the moment."

In addition to Spector's domestic ambitions, there is a certain matter of a certain summer tournament two years hence in South Africa at the back of his mind.

"It was certainly a disappointment to miss out on the last World Cup," he said, "But with a little luck and some hard work, I hope to be a member of the team that represents the US in 2010. There is a talented pool of players, and that competition for places will make for a strong side that gets sent to South Africa."

In a promising sign for next year, Bob Bradley fielded the West Ham man for the second half of the 1-0 win over South Africa in Johannesburg, the last 'Nats outing of 2007.

"It was a good feeling to be back with the Men's National Team there," Spector recalled. "I'm always honored when I get a chance to represent my country. It was a particularly special trip to be on because both the Confederation's Cup and the World Cup will be held there, and I certainly hope to be involved in both of those competitions."

While his dreams remain on two fronts - holding down a starting spot with his club, while establishing himself as a first choice for his country in the long race for 2010 tickets - but he has already achieved a literal goal this season.

Spector chalked up the first strike of his professional career at Pride Park on November 10th, notching the third for the East Londoners in a 5-0 mauling of luckless Derby County. When the Rams failed to clear a corner in the 55th minute, Spector pulled the trigger from around 20 yards, his shot ricocheting off fellow American Eddie Lewis before crossing the line.

Lewis was credited with an own goal, officially denying Spector the glory, but the man from Arlington Heights has already seen enough setbacks to know when not to give in.

"I'm certainly claiming that goal against Derby," he grinned, "Although, some may think that I'm biased!"