Collins Out for the Season

As feared James Collins' torn ligament will keep him out for a year. Collins picked up the injury in the West Ham reserve game with Portsmouth last week.

The swelling around the injury is thought to be so bad at present that an operation will not be possible until mid-February, with at least six months of rehabilitation then required after undergoing surgery.

Wales manager John Toshack will lose the services of Collins for Wales' upcoming internationals but is confident that Gabbidon and Bellamy will be available to him,

"This is a terrible blow for us, but we are more concerned about James. He is absolutely distraught," said Toshack.

"West Ham have assured us all they (Gabbidon & Bellamy) need is competitive matches to get their fitness back, and we will hope that by the time the Norway game comes around they will have played another match or two."

"West Ham have another reserve game this week and two league matches before we all meet up."