Two years of frustration was firmly put in the past on Saturday for Julien Faubert as the full back scored West Ham's third goal against Hull City at Upton Park

Two years of frustration was firmly put in the past on Saturday for Julien Faubert as the full back scored West Ham's third goal against Hull City at Upton Park.

The French defender has been at the club since 2007 but after a horrible Achilles injury, followed by poor form and a loan move to Real Madrid, many thought his career in east London had ended before it began.

However after Lucas Neill left the club, manager Gianfranco Zola called on Faubert to play right back and over the last few months has made the position his own, with his impressive performances culminating in Saturday's fine strike from just outside the area.

"I'm very happy. It was a big match for us, we've won and we have to go forward now, we had to win this game. We are fighting against Hull directly so it's a good result," said Faubert after the 3-0 win.

"Mentally and physically I think I am at my best. I am a bit older now and I can feel the game better. I think now I am in my best level.

"With Valon Behrami we know each other very well and when I go forward he covers me and I think now I am in my best level."

Faubert has come a long way since he joined the club, when, weeks after signing suffered a massive setback to his Hammers career.

"I had a bad moment when I came here with my Achilles rupture and it was hard to come back," he said.

"I was not fit when I came back and I had some problems but I worked hard over the summer and am careful about my weight.

"When I went (to Real Madrid) it was a nice experience but nobody gave me my chance. When I was in Madrid I forgot I was a football player.

"I just want to play and enjoy it on the pitch. I just want to keep going and play regularly."

His solid recent showings seem even more impressive after his mother tragically died in the last month.

"I lost my mum recently and I have had support from my wife, my son, my family and the football club," he said.

"It's a hard moment but I have to go forward for my family.

"It's hard, I try to play well for her memory."

A fitting way to just that would be to represent his country again and Faubert certainly has ambitions to play for France in the future.

"I am 26 and when you're my age you think about the national team," he said.

"I am just waiting. 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.