Collins injury update

James Collins pulled out of last night’s Under 23 Checkatrade Trophy match against Wycombe Wanderers after feeling his hamstring injury again.

‘Ginge’ was back in competitive action for the first time since sustaining the injury in mid September at West Bromwich Albion but pulled up in the 22nd minute.

We were told this morning that having felt the injury he was taken off immediately as a precautionary measure given the busy period ahead of the club.

His withdrawal certainly helps to  explain the defeat by Wanderers as it left the Under 23s thin at the back with Declan Rice now in full time training with the first team squad.

However, as reported elsewhere on the site, the youngsters now move forward to the knockout stages of the Checkatrade after finishing  second in their group.

They now meet  Luton Town – where former Hammers Dan Potts and Elliot Lee are involved – for a game which David Moyes may release former U 23 skipper Rice