We'll pick up!

Jan 1 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TALENTED Michael Collins is hoping 2008 will be a big year both for himself and Town.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been in solid form of late and – whatever the result against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground today – he’s convinced Town are capable of a strong push for the League I play-offs despite Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Northampton.

Far from cursing his luck, Collins welcomes the increased competition for places with Jon Worthington and Chris Brandon, both on the bench on Saturday, back in the mix and believes it can only be positive news for the team as they embark on the second half of the season.

And it provides the Republic of Ireland Under 21 cap with all the incentive he needs to fight for a regular starting slot.

“From a team point of view we’ve been inconsistent this season, so it has to be a big positive that we are still within reasonable distance of the play-off places,” said Collins.

“The self-belief and spirit are still there and if we can achieve some momentum going into the new year then we will take some stopping.

“We didn’t pick up as many points as we wanted over the Christmas period, but I think we will grow in confidence as the season progresses and give it a real go.

“There are some real big hitters financially in this division with the likes of Swansea, Forest and Leeds, who are always going to be up there, but I reckon with a run of form we can really ruffle some feathers.”

Collins believes injuries to key players, couple with the odd suspension, prevented manager Andy Ritchie from selecting a settled side in the first few months of the season and contributed to Town not picking up as many points as they believed they were capable of.

It’s something he’s keen to help put right after Saturday’s huge FA Cup third-round clash against Premiership Birmingham City at the Galpharm is out of the way.

“We never achieved any consistency early on and I, myself, was just the same,” he explained.

“I lost my place and I think our form had a knock-on effect on us all.

“The key to us improving has been players coming back to fitness – people like Jon Worthington who is the club captain – and everyone has started to settle, which looks good for the team with plenty of competition for places.

“I’ve got my place back at the moment and I’m determined to hold onto it.

“But I know that as soon as I have a bad game, there are going to be people knocking on the door.

“It’s a real incentive personally to drive on and it’s very positive for everyone in the club. I think we are going to really push on, I’m convinced of it.”

Collins has formed a solid partnership with Ronnie Wallwork in the centre of midfield and has enjoyed playing alongside an experienced player who learned his trade at Manchester United.

“Ron is a good player, very clever,” said Collins.

“He probably doesn’t do as much running as some of the other lads, but his positional sense is second to none and he very rarely gets caught out.

“When I’m in there it’s my job to do the running and to track back when needed, but I also think I’ve benefited when getting on the ball as well.

“To be honest, I’m delighted to be back because it’s been a tough season for me. It’s been difficult sitting on the bench watching games and not being able to have any influence on the outcome but, if anything, the experience has done me a favour.

“I’ve been able to step back and reassess my performances and reassess my whole attitude to what I’m doing.

“Even though I was only out of the starting line-up for a shortish time, I think I’ve come back a stronger character and it’s done me a world of good.

“I’m strong and, even though I’m a naturally fit lad in any case, I feel very fresh. So when some of the other lads might be starting to tire I’m feeling strong and sharp, the benefit of my little rest, so to speak.

“I’m hoping now that I can really kick on, help the team put together that run that I’ve talked about and achieve some of the targets which I’ve set for myself.”

While Collins has no intention of giving up the shirt, he’s been particularly pleased to see Worthington back in the fray.

“It’s great to have Worthy back because he’s a top-class player,” explained Halifax-born Collins.

“He would be a loss for any team in this division, so for us he’s been a massive loss and it’s good to have him around the first-team scene again simply for his presence as much as anything else.

“It’s a boost to have him available and he’ll be pushing for a place in the team again, no doubt about that, and it’s good news for everyone.

“I think it’s all looking positive for the club at the moment and I think we are in for a good second half of the season.”

Collins will be too old for age-group internationals after this season and is focusing only on trying to make the Galpharm campaign a success.