West Ham United

James Collins: 'West Ham can qualify for Champions League'

By Tom Nightingale, Reporter | 25 October 2015

West Ham United defender James Collins insists that the club can go one better than last season and sustain their challenge for a top-four finish.

West Ham United defender James Collins has insisted that the club can qualify for the Champions League this season after winning six of their first 10 games of the season.

Slaven Bilic's side beat Premier League champions Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday to move up to third in the table and extend their unbeaten league run to seven matches.

The Hammers slipped from fourth on Boxing Day last season to ultimately finish 12th, but Collins is adamant that the Hammers' impressive start to the season this time around is more than just a flash in the pan.

"The confidence is massive - we are on fire at the minute," he told The Mirror. "Last year a lot of the lads hadn't been in that position. The expectation was so high, we took our eye off the ball.

"But we have signed top-quality international footballers who are used to that pressure. We have got the squad to do it, that is the major thing.

"We have got competition for places in every position. The squad is so improved that if we are up there [in the top four] at Christmas then there is no reason that we can't finish there."

West Ham will look to continue their strong start when they travel to Watford next Saturday.