The 24-year-old returned to England after helping the All Whites take two wins from two in the opening rounds of the Stage 3 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in New Caledonia and New Zealand.
“I got back on Thursday night after three stopovers, so it was about a 26 or 27-hour journey,” Reid says. “I actually slept a lot on the plane so it wasn’t too bad but I’m pretty knackered right now.”
The 24-year-old made many vital interceptions in helping his side keep its third clean sheets in four matches.
“Saturday was a pretty tough game and the last 15 minutes were very tough so I was just trying to get through it, keep it simple and help us to keep a clean sheet at the back.”
Reid’s first campaign in English football was challenging and ended in relegation for West Ham. But following their promotion-winning campaign last season, the Hammers are back in the top flight and the centre back is hoping his name will be on the team sheet every week.
“My first season at the club was difficult for me and for the whole club. Fortunately enough, things have turned around,” he says.
“I think you have to feel like you’re an important member of the team otherwise you wouldn’t have any confidence as a player. It’s not about being cocky or anything but you have to believe in yourself like the rest of the players do and think you should play week-in, week-out. When you get the chance, it’s just up to you to take it.”
But while his self-confidence is soaring, Reid is also quick to give his teammates their share of the credit for his form.
“I think the whole defensive unit and the guys in front of them have been working hard this season. I think we’ve done well,” he says.
“I put my own form down to hard work and to the rest of the guys as well. I think if you work hard you get your rewards in the end.”
The Auckland-born player is now looking to maintain the Hammers’ 100 per cent home record when Sunderland visit the Boleyn ground next weekend and he’s in no doubt that West Ham have what it takes, despite the possible absence of England international striker Andy Carroll.
“Home form is always important in the Premier League. Last year, we didn’t do too well but this season we’ve started strongly at home and we want to keep that going,” he says.
“We’ve got a lot of firepower up there and were scoring goals before Andy came so I’m sure we’ll be fine.”