West Ham reserve-team skipper Jack Collison says the club's Welsh contingent had no say in his decision to accept a call-up to the Wales U21 squad this week.

When asked about the influence of Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins in electing to play for Wales, for whom he qualifies because his grandfather was born in Bedwellty, south Wales - Collison said he "hadn't really spoken to them properly" about it before making his decision. He is eager to take the chance though, sensing it as a "great opportunity" to show more of what he can do.

He told whufc.com: "I spoke to [U21 manager] Bryan Flynn a week before the squad was named and he said there was an opportunity. To be honest, I didn't expect it but playing international football can only help my game more."