West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has heaped praise on defender James Collins, labelling him a 'brilliant professional'.

The 32-year-old Welsh defender has forced his way back into Bilic's plans recently after finding himself out of favour at the beginning of the season and has been in fine form in recent weeks.

The Croatian said of Collins: "He wasn't just good against Swansea but as I have said a number of times before, he's a brilliant professional.

"He has been from day one, whether he was on the bench, or just training or playing for five minutes or coming on for half an hour, or now 90 minutes, he's magnificent for us."