The two-goal performance by Jonathan Spector was welcomed by West Ham United boss Avram Grant.
The USA international scored in the 21st and 36th minutes to set the Hammers off in their 4-0 Carling Cup quarter-final win over title holders and his former club Manchester United to open his goalscoring account at the club despite being there since 2006.
Grant was delighted for the 24-year old, who has struggled for game time this term, and said it was his hard work which had helped him through the tough times.
"I think he's a professional guy," Grant told Sky Sports 1. "He's always trying hard, even when he didn't play.
"Today he got the chance and like every professional player you need to speak only on the pitch - and he spoke very well today."
