West Ham's James Collins is pleased to have found his form and become a first team regular.

The 32-year-old defender endured a miserable start to the campaign with a booking and a sending off as the Hammers crashed out of the Europa League.

"I am definitely in the form of my life," Collins told the club website. I do not know what it is, just getting better with age I guess."

"It was huge to sign a new contract, the thought of leaving the club again was getting me down a bit," he added.

"I was fourth choice centre-half at the start of the season, the gaffer told me that. I just thought the least I could do was get my head down and work hard in training and if the opportunity came along I would try and do well."