Centre-back James Collins has warned his West Ham United teammates that they must learn to be "streetwise" against Europa League opponents.

The Hammers are currently in the third qualifying round of the competition but they have suffered two red cards already, and Collins believes that they are reacting to unsportsmanlike behaviour from their opponents.

He is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "These teams are coming to play us, looking at it as a cup final so will try anything they can to beat us. We have to be streetwise, deal with that and let our football do the talking. Some of the stuff that was going on the pitch was unbelievable.

"They spoke about doing it before the game and from minute one they have tried everything they could to get under our skin."

The Hammers host Astra Giurgu in the first leg tonight.

Written by
Charlie Bennett