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West Ham and Wales defender James Collins has retired from international football.

The long-serving centre half told Welsh boss Chris Coleman that he only wishes to be called upon in times of crisis from now on - effectively ending his 50-cap career.

"It's a shame because I've really enjoyed working with him," Coleman said. "He's different to the modern-day professional - let's put it that way.

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"He's definitely someone I'd put in a dressing room that I can remember, rather than the one I'm working with now. But he's been absolutely fantastic.

"He wants to spend a bit more time on himself to try and extend his domestic career and he's got young children as well.

"He has said if we're absolutely desperate he would come out of retirement - and that speak volumes for 'Ginge' that he has given us that option.

"He's not always started and as you get older and you're travelling away and you're not starting it's so tough. It's hard.

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"When you're together for seven weeks at a tournament - as we were at the Euros - it's not the ones who are starting you have to concentrate on, it's the ones who are not.

"He's a vocal character who wants to play but his attitude washed off on everybody because he was so positive. He was important in France because he is such a loud voice and such a big character.

"He was brilliant for us, he did not play in all the games but I'll miss not having him around because of his personality. But I respect his decision."

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