West Ham defender James Collins believes he is "fitter and stronger than ever" after making his first appearance in a claret and blue shirt for some eight months.

In front of watching boss Gianfranco Zola, the centre back managed 70 minutes in the reserve side's 4-3 win over West Brom on Tuesday.

It was his first competitive action since suffering knee cruciate damage in a reserve-team fixture in January.

Such an injury always threaten to call time on a player's career. But Collins revealed he never doubted he would return.

"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," Collins told the club's official website.

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

And the 25-year-old was delighted to make his first mark on the long comeback trail.

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

"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.

And some building he needs to do - although he offered a sound presence and judgement in midweek, his path back into the Hammers first team line-up is riddled with fierce competition.

Matthew Upson and Lucas Neill have impressed in Zola's three games in charge, Calum Davenport has proved his value this season and Danny Gabbidon is making progress from a long-standing abdominal problem.

Youngster James Tomkins, back in full training after an injury lay-off, has also entered the fray since Collins last featured for the club.

However, the 25-year-old fully accepts the challenge ahead of him, and insists that the competition only serves to makes the club stronger.

"It's always good to have competition for places. It keeps everyone on their toes," said the Wales international.

"Training is really sharp so everyone has got to be on top of their game in the team. That can only be healthy for West Ham."

His personal goals do not seem to have dimmed either.

The 25-year-old - who was the subject of summer rumours linking him with a season-long loan move to West Brom - remains fully focused on staying at Upton Park for the long haul.

"I signed a new contract last summer so I can see myself at West Ham for a long time," he added.

"I've always said it is a great club and they've been great to me since me and Danny (Gabbidon) both came from Cardiff City.

"I've always enjoyed it here, I love living in London and it's a great football club."

[Guardian-Series]

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