JONATHAN Spector produced arguably his most impressive display in a West Ham shirt on Saturday and immediately turned his attention to showing boss Alan Cubishley that he can be his first choice centre back.

The American (pictured) has struggled to nail down a first team spot this season and, on the occassions when he has been handed a starting place, it has often been in an unfamiliar position.

But with Anton Ferdinand, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Callum Davenport all sidelined through injury, Spector had his chance to show the boss what he can do in his preferred position of centre back in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.

And he did not disappoint with Curbishley brandishng his performance as "absolutely outstanding".

Spector said: "I'm playing all over the place and not really consistently in a single position but I particularly like to play in the centre of defence.

"Repetition in any position is only going to help a player. The more you play in a position the more you learn about it, and I'm still learning.

"But at the same time it's a good experience to be able to play so many different positions and it gives me more games than I may have had if I was sticking to one position.

"There's a lot of good central defenders at the club so it's certainly a place where there is a lot of competition.

"But I enjoy it and I'd like to continue to play there."

The game was Spector's first start since the thrashing of Derby in October - where he played as a defensive midfielder - and, while admitting he would love to feature at centre back, the 21-year-old insists he just wants to be in the team.

"It's frustrating for any player who is not starting every single game," the former Manchester United star said.

"You wouldn't be a professional athlete if you don't want to play every game, but we've got a strong squad and it's up to the manager to make the decisions and you have to fully respect them.

"Personally I would like to cement a place in the team - when I'm not in the team that's always my target."

The win at the Riverside was the east Londoners fifth on their travels this season and Spector insists that, despite a worrying injury situation that includes 11 first teamers on the treatment table, the club now have a squad capable of challengeing for a top six finish in the Premier league.

"We've got a strong squad and it's certainly not out of the question," he said.

"We would like to be in the top half and pushing for a top six spot and a UEFA Cup place, but you have to take into account the difficulties we've had keeping players fit.

"We've been really unfortunate and you need a bit of luck to reach your top ability and performances."