Behrami earns Curbs praise

Behrami: Versatile performer

Alan Curbishley has backed new signing Valon Behrami to make a major impact at West Ham this season.

The Switzerland international moved to Upton Park from Lazio earlier in the summer for a fee of £5.5million.

He has already impressed Curbishley after turning in a series of fine performances in pre-season.

Behrami has played at right-back and in midfield for the Hammers and Curbishley is excited about the extra options he provides.

Versatile

"He is so versatile," Curbishley told the club's official website. "That is one of the main reasons why I brought him in.

"When I sat down with him I said 'where do you think your best position is' and he said 'wherever you want to play me'.

Behrami continued his fine form in the 1-1 draw against Villarreal on Saturday and Curbishley added: "He likes to get forward.

"I think when (Carlton) Cole scored he was just behind him on that break-out but he will play wherever we play him."

Fitness boost

Curbishley has also expressed his delight at the return to fitness of Scott Parker and Matthew Etherington, who both struggled with injuries last season.

"Our hope was we would get some of last season's injured fit, and Scotty was one of those," explained the West Ham boss.

"He has come back strong and nice and sharp. He needs to be because we are going to depend a lot on him.

"There are one or two people who really got a lot out of (Saturday) like Matty Etherington who has missed quite a bit of pre-season."