The flame-haired Welshman moved to the Boleyn Ground from Cardiff City with compatriot Danny Gabbidon in a double transfer in summer 2005.

James - who has represented Wales at every level - scorched on to the scene, aged 17, when he was handed his Cardiff debut in an FA Cup first round tie against Bristol Rovers in November 2000.

After only making a dozen league appearances for the Bluebirds during the course of the next three seasons, the young defender finally began to establish himself in the Cardiff defence during the 2003/04 campaign.

A powerful player, who is virtually unbeatable in the air, Collins' style complements the pace of Welsh international team-mate Gabbidon and the pair quickly forged a sound central-defensive partnership.

The duo subsequently saw their joint move to east London for an undisclosed fee as an exciting chance to enhance their international futures and, while Collins was forced to start the 2005/06 on the sidelines due to the superb form of Gabbidon and Anton Ferdinand at the back, whenever he got his opportunities he showed that he possessed the ability to make a seamless step up in class.

After making his debut in the 4-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup second round in September 2005, Collins - who ended the campaign as an unused substitute in the FA Cup final against Liverpool back in Cardiff - went on to make 19 league and cup appearances during his first season.

Unfortunately, it was similar story during his second year, too, when injury and competition again hampered his chances of nailing down a permanent spot in the Hammers' defence. That said, he was man of the match in the dramatic final-day win at Manchester United to underline his obvious class. Collins again had to fight for his place going into the 2007/08 season although was boosted by his first Wales goal in an October 3-1 defeat in Cyprus on his 20th international appearance.

He suffered a major setback in a January 2008 reserve-team match away to Portsmouth, suffering cruciate ligament damage to his right knee that was set to sideline him for the rest of the campaign. He worked hard over ther summer and was back in full training by that August.