Jack Collison feels he's getting back to his best for West Ham United.

The midfielder has endured a miserable time, including a long-standing knee injury and coping with the tragic death of his father Ian in a motorcycle ­accident in August 2009.

But the 11-cap Wales midfielder, who is set to play for his country for the first time in almost a year against Austria in Swansea tomorrow, believes the only way is up.

Collison, 24, said: "I don't know where my strength of character comes from.

"I suppose it is just that I try to ­appreciate every good moment because you have to make the most of them."