Welsh joy for Hammers pair

Danny Gabbidon and James Collins have won Player of the Year awards for Wales.

Gabbidon has been named as Wales' Footballer of the Year, while his team-mate Collins was awarded the Young Footballer of the Year honour.

Both players joined The Hammers in the summer from Cardiff City, with Gabbidon making an impressive start to life in The Premiership.

He is also a regular fixture in the Welsh national side and the centre half has been delighted with how his career is progressing.

"The Premiership has been tough but I have been pleased with the way it has gone but I know I can do better and I am looking to improve as the season continues," said Gabbidon.

"Everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League, and having had a taste of top international football and done okay, this move has been great for me.

"It is just a fantastic opportunity and now I hope to take advantage of it."

Unlike Gabbidon, Collins has yet to make his mark at Upton Park,  having been hampered by an injury since pre-season.

In addition to Gabbidon and Collins, Swansea City ace Sam Ricketts was also honoured at the Carling Welsh awards on Monday evening.

Ricketts was named Welsh club Player of the Year for his meteoric rise which has seen him go from playing in the Nationwide Conference to representing his country in the past 18 months.