WEST Ham midfielder Jack Collison insists he is still learning his trade as a player at Upton Park, despite establishing himself as one of the first names on Gianfranco Zola’s teamsheet this season.

The 20-year-old graduate from the club’s youth academy struck the winning goal for the Hammers’ paupers against the princes of Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday.

While City’s starting XI boasted more than £100million worth of talent, it was a home grown jewel that made the crucial difference with a classy finish, sending the Irons up to seventh in the table.

However, Collison maintains that he is far from the finished article, and has been delighted to see the likes of Scott Parker sign new deals with the club as he continues to feed off the wealth of football knowledge that surrounds him.

Speaking about the club’s attempts to hang on to their star players, Collison said: “I think it shows the way the club wants to be moving. Everybody wants to be moving forward and obviously you want to keep your key players, especially for me as a young player coming through it’s great to have experienced pros who have played at the top and we can just learn off them.

“I think Scotty Parker has signed now, that’s great news for me because I think he’s a real player to learn from.”

While the youngster was reluctant to sing his own praises, his manager did it for him, hailing him as an ‘unbelievable’ talent.

“I feel very lucky, not just to have him (Collison) but all of my players,” said the Italian manager. “I’m sure if I put Collison up front or right at the back I’m sure that he will give a good game for the team.

“He’s unbelievable and he’s getting better and better. He’s only 20 and he’s playing almost every week. He’s got a good attitude and he’s going to keep on improving.”

The Wales international looks set to continue his extended run in the first team, following the serious knee injury to Valon Behrami on Sunday, which could keep the midfielder out for the rest of the season.