COLLINS IS READY AND ABLE; Germany v Wales, Group4, tomorrow, 7.45pm.

Byline: By JAMES NURSEY

JAMES COLLINS insists he is ready to inspire Wales to another shock result in Germany despite being out injured for almost a year.

The West Ham defender was in the Wales side which drew 0-0 in Frankfurt last November in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

But Collins, 25, has not started a competitive match since January after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments in a club reserve game against Portsmouth.

The former Cardiff star, who has 24 caps, has however declared himself fit for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier in Monchengladbach.

"It won't be a gamble to play me on Wednesday," said Collins, a sub in Wales' 2-0 win over Liechtenstein.

"I have been training with West Ham for two months now and played three reserve matches so if I am not ready to play now, I will never be.

"West Ham knew that I was coming away to play games so fingers crossed I do.

"I had the operation and since then I have been working and feel stronger and fitter than ever, so that can only be good.

"It has changed my attitude as I have never had a long-term injury before.

I have come back more hungry than ever to succeed."

Collins has taken encouragement from his club and international teammate Craig Bellamy, who has overcome knee injuries himself.

CAPTION(S):

BACK AT LAST James Collins is in the frame for a return