Jack Collison has admitted he could not wait to pull on his boots against a Major League Soccer select XI - and is desperate to do likewise at Chelsea on Sunday.
The Wales midfielder has had to bide his time in recent weeks after missing out on the successes at Sunderland and Liverpool. The 20-year-old was therefore determined to put on an impressive display in front of the manager when Alex Dyer's reserves took on the American touring side on Thursday afternoon. Collison was in typically energetic form, buzzing around the midfield before being replaced, as planned, on the hour-mark. West Ham United went on to win an entertaining game 3-2.
The former reserve team captain explained the match was vital in helping him to maintain his sharpness ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to west London.
"Games like that are good for players like me who haven't been playing much and those who are coming back from injury to get their fitness back," he said. "I thought the opposition were quality. They looked to pass it and it was a good test for us. They were very fit too.
"Games like that I think you get out what you put in and certain players like myself who are looking to get our fitness back can really run about. That's what it's about. Training is totally different to games, but it is in the games where you can get your match fitness. People like Kieron [Dyer] and Jon [Spector] who have just come back from long-term injuries had a great chance to work on their fitness and push on in their rehabilitation."
Collison also stated his intention to regain his place in Zola's team after impressing against Middlesbrough, Everton and Portsmouth earlier ths season. "The last few games I've been on the bench itching to get on to the pitch. I'm just waiting for another chance and when it comes I'll try and take it with both hands," he added. "It's still nice being in and around the squad but, at the end of the day, I want to be out there playing. The gaffer has said I've just got to be patient and I'll get another chance. At the moment I'm just getting my head down and working hard in training all the time."
Despite the fact he has played just six first-team matches for the Hammers, Collison has already turned out at Arsenal and Manchester United, and he is now aiming to complete an enviable hat-trick by running out at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. "I've played at the Emirates and Old Trafford so it would obviously be nice to play at Stamford Bridge," he said. "I think the boys will really be looking to go there full of confidence after the display away at Liverpool. I think we'll go into the game with no fear, do what we can and try and nick a point or maybe all three.
"Chelsea have not been firing at home this season, obviously, and our performance away at Liverpool was outstanding from all the boys - both the workrate and the fact we kept our shape really well. To come away from Anfield with a point gives you confidence going into games like this one against Chelsea. We'll go there feeling positive and whoever is out on the pitch will be looking to do their job and try and get some points."