West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison has praised the return of Andy Carroll from the striker's long absence through injury.

Carroll made his first appearance of the season on Saturday when he came off the bench during the Hammers' 2-0 win at Cardiff City in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old made an instant impact at the Cardiff City Stadium as he set up Mark Noble for the visitors' decisive second goal.

"The big man has been working so hard to get fit, so it's great for him to be back out on the pitch and well done to him. Now he can build on what he did at Cardiff," Collison told the club's official website.

"It was a tough second half for us because they had a lot of the ball, especially when James Tomkins got sent off, so it was great to look over at the sidelines and see Andy Carroll coming on.

"There were a couple of dodgy touches from him, but it was a fantastic ball for the last goal and we'll all happy to get him back."

West Ham return to Premier League action this weekend when they entertain Newcastle United at Upton Park.