James Collins

This weeks player profile is all about the ginger lad at the back, James Collins. James started his life in Newport. He started his career off as he played local football in Newport and Cardiff spotted him and he became a trainee in 2000.

In November that year he made his debut for the bluebirds against Bristol Rovers in which Cardiff won 5-1. He went on to make 86 apps for the Welsh side scoring 6 goals. He moved to East London in 2005 with fellow Welsh centre back Danny Gabbidon. The deal was worth 3.5mill for both of the players. But due to a few injury problems and more experienced centre backs James found it difficult to push into the first team. He made his debut in a 4-2 win at Hillsbrough in the Carling Cup. He made his league debut against Bolton in October. Due to Matty Upson and Danny Gabidon being injured Collins took full advantage and pushed himself into the first team. Ginge was delighted to be in the hammers back four and was an influential part in the Irons great escape. In Jan 08 it was announced he would be out for a year with injury but came back earlier than expected in a 2-0 home defeat to London rivals Arsenal in October. In his time at the Hammers he has made 38 apps scoring 2 goals.

His international career has been formidable and has played for Wales u19's, u20's, u21's and Wales national team. He scored his first international goal in October 2007 in a 3-1 defeat to Cyprus. He has made no more than 26 apps for Wales and hopes to get more in the future.