Collins hoping to prove he’s still Premier class

SIX years after leaving Villa for West Ham, James Collins is back and hoping to win a permanent contract.

The 35-year-old was invited to train at Bodymoor Heath with boss Steve Bruce keen to take a closer look at the centre-half.

So what’s the situation with the defender now?

Training: Collins is nursing a hamstring injury and building his way back to full fitness. He left West Ham in the summer but continued to train to keep himself in shape.

Collins spent a period at Ipswich, effectively on trial, but was prepared to explore other options before committing to a contract.

What Collins has said: “It’s not going to happen (signing a new deal at West Ham), unfortunately.

“I was down there three weeks ago, training. I probably held on to it a little bit too much, hoping it would come, but I had to move on.

“There haven’t been people banging the door down but I’ve spoken to a few clubs. I would go anywhere. I love playing football, still do, and I’ve got plenty in the legs.

“I still know in myself I can play in the Premier League.”

What Bruce has said: “James is coming in training with us when he is available. He has nicked a hamstring, unfortunately. He has been fit with West Ham and Ipswich so we have invited him up.

“I have known him a long time. We have invited him up to get his hamstring fit and come and train with us and we will take if from there.”

His career: Collins started out at Cardiff and West Ham before moving to Villa in 2009. He was instrumental when Villa were pushing for European football.

Forming a solid partner- ship with Richard Dunne, his first season under Martin O’Neill was a great success.

His performances on the pitch were always impressive under the Irishman but his standards slipped the following season.

Collins clashed with Gerard Houllier, the man who replaced O’Neill, and off the field there were issues that had to be addressed.

But under Alex McLeish he improved again before re-joining West Ham in 2012.