James Collins determined to grab regular starting spot at West Ham United

West Ham United defender James Collins has said that he is hopeful of getting another chance to prove his ability to manager Slaven Bilic in this weekend's match against Chelsea.

The 32-year-old made his first start of the season in the Hammers' 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, and hopes to be included again due to Winston Reid's absence through injury.

"I have been waiting a while and I knew when the chance came along I would have to perform well," Collins told the club's official website. "I don't think I made too many mistakes and we came away with a victory.

"It is down to me now and I have got the shirt. That is the good thing being at West Ham at the moment in that we have got to perform well every week to stay in the team.

"We have got world class players waiting to step in if we don't perform well. That is the beauty of having a big squad and you need the competition behind you to keep you on your toes."

West Ham have had their best start to a season as they currently reside fourth in the table after nine games.