West Ham United FC

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Collins finally back for Irons

03 Oct 2008 - 07:25:24

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West Ham United central defender James Collins is delighted to finally be back in action after more than eight months on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old Wales international played for most of the 4-3 reserve team victory over West Brom on Tuesday evening, having almost recovered from a career-threatening knee injury.

He told the club's official website: "The surgeon who did my knee is top drawer.

"A couple of years before Jimmy Walker did his knee in the play-off final a lot worse than mine and the same surgeon did his operation and he's come back.

"I knew I had the best surgeon around doing my operation and I'm feeling fitter and stronger than ever.

"Everything's fine. I'm just happy to have got some more minutes under my belt.

"I felt a bit stiff and a bit tired towards the end, so I came off as a bit of a precaution. It's what I need.

"It's just nice to be back on the pitch. I can build on that now.

"It's my first 70 minutes in eight months, so now I can just look forward to the next game."