West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is looking for a festive boost from a fit-again Jack Collison.

Allardyce's assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed Collison is likely to be on the bench for the clash against Everton despite wanting to ease him back gently.

He said: "Jack needs more games and time on the training pitch but no doubt he'll come in to the squad as we need him.

"We had one less sub on Sunday so if he gets through training it wouldn't surprise me if he's on the bench.

"We have other players that could possibly come on but if we need him we know he can come on for a short space of time and even if he's not 100 per cent match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else.

"He's important to us as he's a good player. He scores goals as well as creating them.

"He is a positive lad and wants to play. Yes, he's had problems before but in my time here I've never heard one person say he should call it day.

"He's proved, with hard work and dedication, you can come back."