WEST Ham defenders Danny Gab-bidon and James Collins have both signed two-year contract extensions with the club.

The pair, who are Welsh internationals, joined the club in a joint £3.5 million deal from Cardiff City in July 2005.

Since then, the centre backs have made a combined 98 appearances for the Irons, helping the club to promotion from the Championship and the 2006 FA Cup final.

While Gabbidon struggled with groin injuries during the second part of last season, Collins, who turns 24 tomorrow, was a vital figure in the club's great escape from relegation from the Premier League.

Neither have started a game so far this season.

Gabbidon has been a substitute in both Premier League matches so far while Collins has a groin problem. But both believe their long-term futures are at Upton Park.

Gabbidon said: "I am disappointed not to be in the side, but at least the new contracts show that the club wants both me and James around.

"We will both now work hard and fight to prove we are worthy of a place in the side."

>WEST Ham teenager Jordan Spence played 90 minutes for the England U-17 team as they virtually secured a place in the last 16 of the World Youth Cup Finals in South Korea.

Jordan, an integral part of the Hammers youth team was part of the England team that secured a 5-0 victory over New Zealand. England face Brazil in their final group match on Friday in Goyang City.

>A SMALL number of tickets have been made available for this Saturday's Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic at Upton Park.

To buy them, call 0870 112 2700 or log on to www.whufc.com >THE Hammers youth team lost its opening FA Academy League fixture 1-0 to local rivals Fulham.