ALL summer long, it appeared to be only a matter of time before England left-back Nicky Shorey signed for West Ham United.

The Reading player looked certain to complete a £5million switch to Upton Park, but the transfer never took place, leaving George McCartney as the Hammers' only recognised left-back.

Through everything, the unassuming Northern Irishman has quietly got on with his job, starting all 14 of the Irons' league and cup matches this season.

All that was missing, it appeared, was the first goal of McCartney's 197-match, nine-year club career.

And, having finally arrived in the shape of an unforgettable volley against Bolton on Sunday, the 26-year-old hopes he has finally ended the speculation about his position in Alan Curbishley's side.

"West Ham is a big club and they are looking to attract top players," admitted the Belfast-born defender, who arrived from Sunderland in a £1million deal in the summer of 2006.

"The manager strengthened the squad in every position during the summer except perhaps left-back. "All the supporters were saying that they wanted a left-back to come in, but hopefully with every game I play, I prove to them that I am good enough to hold my own in this league and play in the team every week.

"Hopefully I have changed people's thoughts and they don't think they need to bring anyone in."

McCarthy's steady form has been a microcosm of West Ham's own decent start to the season.

The disappointment of letting in a last-gasp equaliser at the weekend aside, the full-back believes the East Enders have made a respectable opening to 2007/2008.

And with nearly £40million worth of injured talent - including Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and Dean Ashton - waiting to return, McCarthy is adamant the only way is up.

"I think considering the amount of injuries we have had, we have done reasonably well," he added.

"We've got a big squad here, but the majority of the players who came in during the summer are injured.

"They are the big players for us on the day and obviously they are all going to be badly missed, but we have just got to get on with it.

"The players who have come in have done really well, and though it is disappointing to have so many people out, we have done well to be where we are in the league.

"We are progressing nicely and I'm sure when the others come back we will be a stronger team all round."