West Ham defender James Collins is remaining optimistic as he braces himself for major surgery on his knee injury next week.The 24-year-old suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when playing for the reserves against Portsmouth on January 23.

Hammers head physiotherapist George Cooper is confident the Welsh stopper could be ready to return to light training in the pre-season.

"He has got a 75 per cent tear of his anterior cruciate ligament and that was diagnosed under arthroscopy which has made planning the operation much easier," he told the club's official website.

"There is going to be no surprises when they go inside the knee. They know what is going on in there."

Collins concedes it will be a long road back to West Ham's first team, but is refusing to be downbeat as he contemplates life in the physio's room.

"I think the minimum time I will be out is six months so that is what I am aiming towards," he added.

"It is weird because I am not in any pain or anything. I can bend my knee no problem and even run already, which is what I am finding hard to get my head round as I can do all that but I can't play football.

"However, I understand making any sort of tackle and kicking the ball, I would be in trouble so I just have to take my time, do as I am told by the physios and that way I will suffer no setbacks."

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