WHUTV focus on midfield hopefuls

Jack Collison and Tony Stokes are the latest West Ham United youngsters to take centre stage in the WHUTV spotlight.

The midfielders had key roles in a competitive midweek reserve match against Arsenal, when the home side came from behind twice to finish with a creditable 2-2 draw. As well as catching up with the duo, the WHUTV Bubbling Under channel also has all the match highlights - including Jordan Spence's tidy finish and a sublime second from Stokes that ensured a third game unbeaten for Kevin Keen's side.

Collison is the reserve-team captain and the 19-year-old showed up well in a head-to-head battle with Fran Merida and Kieran Gibbs - both of whom are tipped to follow Cesc Fabregas into the first team. "You have got to do your best to perform when you play at Upton Park against a good footballing side like Arsenal," he said. "It is an opportunity to impress and if you put in a good performance obviously the manager is watching."

Hear more from Collison on:

  • His pride at being captain
  • Being called up by Wales Under-21s
  • The chances of a first-team call

    At 20, Stokes has already had two loan spells away from London - getting first-team experience at Rushden and Diamonds and Brighton and Hove Albion. He was left on the bench against Arsenal but was ready to take his chance when he came on in an advanced role in the second half, connecting with a volley to score from the edge of the area. "I was disappointed to be left on the bench," he said. "I just wanted to show what I could do when I came on. It was just instinct."

    Log on to listen to Stokes on:

  • His wonder goal
  • The standard at reserve-team level
  • Hopes for the future

    As well as checking in with WHUTV to see the interviews with Collison and Stokes, and to see the highlights from Tuesday night's contest, there is plenty more on offer every day. Return to WHUTV later this week for all the build-up to the Premier League fixture at Derby County, including Alan Curbishley's pre-match press conference and exclusive player interviews.  For details of a special membership offer that includes a three-month trial, click here.