West Ham defender James Collins has praised the impact of super-sub Andy Carroll after the England international scored the winning goal in the Hammers' 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

Carroll is being eased back into the match day squad by West Ham manager Slaven Bilic as he continues his return from a number of injury setbacks.

However, the 26-year-old former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker, indicated he is close to rediscovering his best form with his 79th minute header.

Collins said it was a luxury for West Ham to have such a prolific goal scorer coming off the bench.

"Any team in the Premier League would be delighted to have Andy Carroll on the bench," Collins said, as quoted by The Mirror.

"If I were defending and I saw him coming on I wouldn't be too happy because you know what's going to happen. If you play the right ball to him I think he's unplayable."