Collison confident of McCarthy boost for Hammers

By Simon Hayes on February 4, 2010 4:15 PM |

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The arrival of Benni McCarthy promises to be a real treat for West Ham fans according to Jack Collison.

The Irons midfielder is excited about the arrival of the South African striker from Blackburn, having seen him at close quarters for the first time during a training session last Friday.

Collison thinks the 32-year-old will give West Ham a timely boost as they look to avoid relegation.

He said: "He trained on Friday but wasn't available against Blackburn. He looks a good signing and I think he's going to be a real positive for us.

"You know what you're going to get with him. He's a larger than life character, but he's also a very talented footballer and that's what we need. Hopefully he's going to score some goals for us and if he plays like he trained the other day I don't think it'll be a problem for him.

"He's obviously looking to work hard and that's what we need right now. I'm sure the fans are going to enjoy watching him play because he's really good."

While McCarthy will add some firepower, Collison has pledged to contribute more goals himself to help the Hammers away from the relegation zone, starting with this Saturday's trip to Burnley.

He said: "I'm definitely trying my hardest to score more and create more. It's something I'm trying to add to my game. It's been a little bit frustrating for me in the past few weeks because I've had my chances but haven't been able to convert them. But I'm not going to stop trying and hopefully they'll start coming.

"We're very realistic, we know what situation we're in. We know the next few games are going to be massive for us. We play a lot of the teams around us and it's up to us to keep working hard and put some points on the table."

Collison, 21, was presented with the BBC London Young Player of the Year award after last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Blackburn. It was recognition of the progress he made in 2009, establishing himself as a key member of the Hammers' midfield.

But the modest Welshman is keen to remain a team player, no matter how many accolades and awards he collects.

He said: "Obviously it's nice but for me, but now it's about getting my head down and improving and improving the situation we're in as a team. At the end of the day it's not about these, it's about staying in the Premier League."