The 20-year-old, who dislocated a knee at Wigan Athletic on 4th March, was expected to be ruled out for the rest of the campaign, but he is now due to return to full training at Chadwell Heath on Wednesday.

Collison is aiming to play in the final two encounters of the season at Everton on 16th May and at home to Middlesbrough on 24th May, matches which would put him back in contention for international duty.

swimming pool

"I am aiming for one or two more first-team games now before the end of the season," he said.

"I am ready for full training now with the rest of the boys and want to help us qualify for Europe. I have been working really hard with the medical team at West Ham, there have been some long hours at the swimming pool making the knee stronger again.

"But luckily it has proved not to be as serious in the end, so now I have got to concentrate on getting back to full fitness and to make one last push at the end of the season."