JACK COLLISON LOOKS UP TO RYAN GIGGS

IT is unlikely that Ryan Giggs' status as English football's most decorated player will ever be beaten.

But Jack Collison believes he can trump the great man on at least one front. Collison is one of a group of young Wales stars with their eyes on a major international tournament - an experience denied Giggs despite his heroics for his country.

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Along with Tottenham's Gareth Bale, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and Cardiff's Joe Ledley, Collison is part of a gifted Welsh brat pack emerging under John Toshack.

The Bedford-born West Ham youngster, who qualifies for Wales on the grandparents' rule, has been a revelation over the past three months under new boss Gianfranco Zola.

His credentials will come under further scrutiny against Giggs and Manchester United today but the 20-year-old has talent, self-belief and determination.

He said: "For players of my generation, Ryan Giggs is an obvious inspiration. He is one of the greatest-ever players, not just for Manchester United but for Wales and the rest of the nation. A great role model as well. He has won so much but maybe I could do something that he hasn't.

"With Wales we now have a lot of good talent coming through. England only just pipped our under-21 side to the Euro finals in a play-off and that has given us belief that, in the next few years, we can qualify for a World Cup or European Championship.

"There is a real good chance under John Toshack because he has not been afraid to give younger players a chance, even in the big games."

Impressive

Neither has Zola. After a poor start under his guidance, the Italian and assistant Steve Clarke abandoned a Chelsea-style 4-3-3 in favour of a diamond midfield - with Collison an integral part.

Incredibly, he was on the verge of being farmed out on loan to Peterborough until an impressive performance at Old Trafford against this afternoon's opponents.

GIANFRANCO ZOLA - inspiration

He explained: "It was towards the end of October but the day I was due to go to Peterborough, Mark Noble got a knock, so I was pulled back. The next thing I knew I was coming on as a sub against Manchester United at Old Trafford. I haven't looked back since."

Collison's emergence has coincided with a return to form for the Hammers. Since that 2-0 defeat by United on October 29, they haven't lost an away game and have earned 14 points from the last 18.

"The management and the coaching staff have got their tactics spot on and all the players are willing to work hard for each other," Collison claimed. "That's been one of the main reasons why the form and results have improved."

With England under-21 star Noble a major influence, Collison and two 19-year-olds - Freddie Sears and James Tomkins - knocking on the door, there is the feeling the famed West Ham Academy is producing another group of star graduates.

This time around, it is the club's intention to hang on to their starlets, building a successful team around them, assuming the club's uncertain ownership and long term finances are resolved.

Collison said: "When I left Cambridge after their academy folded, there were a few teams interested but I was well aware of West Ham's history when it came to bringing players through the youth system.

Success

"Looking back at the past decade there's Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick, who we will be up against on Sunday, then Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. They all played in the same side and look at them now! They haven't done bad.

"They remain an inspiration for someone like me. And then you look around at what is happening here at the moment and you think that maybe my generation could do the same - but this time stay around for longer and bring success to this club.

"I suppose in some ways it puts a bit of pressure on us to produce the goods if comparisons to the past are made - but we can thrive on it.

"Sometimes it is hard to blood youngsters in the Premier League but the manager has done that. It bodes well for the future."

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