Jonathan Spector says he is 'on target' for a return to Premiership action with new club West Ham United in September.

The 20-year old is recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in April, while still on loan to Charlton Athletic.

"(The comeback) is going really well," Spector told YA. "The last couple of weeks have been tough with preseason training, all the running and stuff like that, but I am getting back in shape and that's important."

"I am still on target to be playing games in September, hopefully, and the shoulder feels great."

The Illinois-born defender signed a four-year deal with the Hammers in June, after coach Alan Pardew flew out to New York City to convince him to sign.

"I respected that," said Spector. "It was good that he wanted to fly over and meet me. It was just a first impression, but the meeting went very well."

"I have a lot of respect for him as a manager and as a person. He is very straightforward and upfront with you, and I am definitely happy to be playing for him."

The US international also revealed that the ambitions of the East London club helped persuade him to leave Manchester United, where he still had a year left on his contract.

"It is a great group that they have there, both the staff and the players," said Spector of his new surroundings. "It is an exciting young team and you can tell they are definitely pushing forward to win something, which is important to me. That was why I decided to make a move over there."

After a summer spent in rehabilitation, the defender is now raring to go with his new club.

"I have been gradually easing in to the training sessions to make sure that nothing happens again, but I am really happy with the way the rehab has gone," he concluded.

"I am confident I will be back in September, playing games. It is not far off, which is definitely good news."

West Ham open the season with a Saturday visit from Charlton, who are still without the services of Cory Gibbs.