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Jack Collison's last competitive Wales appearance came in September 2013

Former West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has vowed to return to football and has not given up on his international career with Wales.

The 26-year-old is without a club after struggling with a knee injury, and has not played a game since May.

"I've decided to take a bit of time out to make sure I've recovered from injuries," he told BBC Sport.

"I'm going to wait until pre-season and try and get back into it at the start of next year."

Collison, who played 121 times for the Hammers over eight years, signed a short-term deal with Ipswich Town in September, but did not make an appearance for the Suffolk club.

His career has been hampered by a persistent knee problem, which restricts the amount of training he can do between games.

Collison's career Played youth football for Peterborough and Cambridge United Joined West Ham in 2007, and played 121 times Finished last season on loan at Wigan Played in Wigan's FA Cup semi-final loss to Arsenal in April, missing a penalty in the shootout Made 16 appearances for Wales Last competitive Wales game was 2-1 loss to Macedonia in September 2013

But the Cambridge United youth product has not ruled out the possibility of adding to his 16 Wales caps.

"If I can get back performing to a good level, I don't see any reason why I can't try and force my way back in," he said.

"It might take a year. it might take two years. I love playing for Wales. Who wouldn't want to play international football?"

Collison said he had received offers from clubs to play until the end of the season, but will consider his options in the summer.

Teams such as MK Dons or Peterborough United could be possibilities, with the Bedfordshire-raised midfielder keen to stay in the area.

Meanwhile, Collison is spending time coaching youngsters external-link in Bedford and Peterborough, and says it is a viable alternative to playing.

"It's giving me a lot of joy. I'm looking to give something back to the communities, particularly at grassroots level," he added.

"I get more enjoyment out of working with the kids than I have with almost anything over the last few months."