JAMES Collins was delighed to register his first appearance for
the Hammers in their pre-season clash with Falkenbergs, and after
an encourgaing start the 21-year-old central defender is looking
forward to making plenty of progress over the next few weeks.
He said: "The game went well and I was pretty pleased with the
way I played. Your first game with new players is always one that
you look forward to, but it's also something that you're
quite keen to get out of the way.
"I wasn't all that nervous, but I wanted to do well, play
well and show the management here what I have to offer. "It
was good that we got a positive result, because that always helps
the spirit and mood within the camp. But more importantly it was a
tough work out for the lads against strong opposition.
"There were a few stiff legs this morning, but that's what
pre-season is all about - getting as fit and prepared as you can
for the coming season."
With five international caps for Wales already to his name, James
is no stranger to competing at the highest level. But the former
Cardiff City defender knows that he has his work cut out to force
his way into Alan Pardew's first-team.
"This is a really strong squad," he added, "and I
know that it's not going to be easy to break in. The lads that
played last season, Anton and Elliott, did fantastically well to
help the Club win promotion and I'll be up against them for a
place.
"It won't be easy and it's going to mean a lot of hard
work for me during pre-season to prove to the manager that I
deserve my place. "I haven't played in the Premier League
before, but that isn't something that worries me too much. All
I can do is concentrate on doing my best in pre-season and making
sure that I'm prepared when the season starts.
"I've always wanted to play in the Premier League and
I'm looking forward to doing that with West Ham United."
James is also enjoying the chance to bond with his new team-mates
in Sweden, and has already identified a few jokes in the Hammers
pack.
"There's a great bunch of lads here," he said.
"Bobby Zamora's pretty loud and Anton Ferdinand lets you
know he's there as well. "The coaching staff have
been terrific as well, and I know the Club's new physios Steve
Allen and Paul Hunter from Cardiff.
"They're all good lads and I'm really enjoying being
part of the squad. Now it's just a case of keeping my head
down, getting on with the hard work and doing as much as I can
before the season starts."