Jack Collison is a step closer to full fitness after making his long-awaited return from injury.
Hammers' midfielder makes significant step on road to recovery
Jack Collison has set his sights on regaining full fitness after making his long-awaited return from injury.
The West Ham midfielder has been out for the last 13 months after suffering a serious knee injury.
But the 22-year-old was back in action on Friday with a 30-minute run-out in the reserves' 1-0 defeat by Manchester United.
Collinson admits he is some way from being back in first-team contention but is pleased to have made another significant step on his road to recovery.
"It's great to be back out with the boys, that's what the rehab has been all about," the 22-year-old told the club's
official website.
"It's down to a lot of people working very hard with me. The medical staff at West Ham has been brilliant.
No rush
"They haven't rushed me. They've helped me through it, it's been a real team effort, and it was great to be back out there.
"I'm still trying to find my lungs a little bit and my sharpness, but that's going to come with more minutes. It was just a great feeling to be back out there with the boys and back amongst it."
Collison was cheered on by fellow Academy graduates James Tomkins and Zavon Hines, while fellow Wales international Danny Gabbidon was also at Friday's game.
"There's a really good spirit in the camp at the moment," Collison added.
Support
"Those three boys have been the ones who've been closest to me right throughout my injury and have helped me through it.
"It's a lonely path sometimes but those three have been there and it was nice of them to come down and support the boys."
Collison is now hoping to be given a start in the reserves' game against Aston Villa next Tuesday, which will also be played at Bishop's Stortford FC.
