West Ham midfielder is battling to be fit for Saturday’s play-off final at Wembley after a remarkable recovery from a shoulder injury

West Ham midfielder Jack Collison returned to training on Tuesday just eight days after injuring his shoulder during the play-off semi-final victory over Cardiff City.

The former Hammers Academy boy went off in agony and was expected to be ruled out of the final straight away, but the 23-year-old, although still only rated as 50/50, has made a remarkable recovery in a short space of time.

“He has a very, very good chance of making it in time,” revealed West Ham boss Sam Allardyce on Tuesday.

“When he first did it, we were thinking about surgery and being out for a long time, but he has recovered remarkably well and even joined in training, so we are very hopeful.”

If Collison doesn’t make it, then Allardyce will choose between bringing back George McCartney at left back with Matt Taylor moving into midfield, or by drafting in Arsenal loanee Henri Lansbury to the starting line-up.