IT'S been a memorable week for Michael Collins - and now he wants a fantastic finale!

Two full League appearances have been followed by a first professional contract, so all that's missing now is victory against Oldham at the Galpharm tomorrow (3.00).

The 18-year-old from Halifax will definitely start against the Latics, who have lost their last seven matches in all competitions to drop just two points above the relegation zone.

Collins is aiming to impress, too, after earning many plaudits for his performance in the midweek defeat at Tranmere and having been told he's a part of the Republic of Ireland's UEFA Under 19 Championship qualifying squad in April.

"I couldn't have asked for much more from this week, but a win tomorrow would round it off nicely," said Collins, who signed a one-year deal and may well be offered a 12-month extension at the end of the season.

"This is an important spell for the club and it's just brilliant for myself and the other young lads to be involved.

"The gaffer has shown a lot of faith in us and, hopefully, we can repay him with another three points tomorrow.

"Oldham are one of the teams below us in the table, so it's a very important match which could go a long way to pushing us towards the safety mark.

"If we can then get a run going, we could have an outside chance of pushing for the play-off places - but all we are aiming for at the moment is to pick up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season."

Academy graduate Collins - whose international colleagues will play in Serbia-Montenegro in their second phase of qualifying - played central midfield against Blackpool but wide right at Prenton Park.

"I'll play anywhere the manager tells me because now that I've got a pro contract, my next challenge is to become a first-team regular.

"I've always set myself targets to do well with the Youth team and progress in the Reserves, and now I'm setting my standards to prove I'm worth a regular go in the first team.

"It has been a big step up, I know that, but I'm learning a lot just being around the senior squad and, hopefully, I can now adapt more to playing in League I, relax more and start producing some of the football I like to play."

Collins says he's had a lot of support from family, friends and Town supporters.

"My mates and my family will prevent me from getting too big for my boots," he smiled.

"I don't think I will, but as a young player it's important you keep your feet on the ground and make sure you work hard not to let anyone down.

"As for the fans, I thought they were superb last week against Blackpool and, hopefully, they will get right behind us again tomorrow.

"They know we are fielding a very young side and appreciate we are giving 100%, which is great.

"They also know that having so many young lads gaining experience now is going to stand the club in good stead for the future."

While Collins faces up to Oldham's David Eyres, who celebrates his 41st birthday, Young and Hardy will be kicking their heels because Town's FA Academy Premier League clash with Derby County at Storthes Hall has been postponed.

All the club's age-group games on Sunday have also fallen victim to the bad weather.

Town - Rachubka, T Clarke, N Clarke, McCombe, Mirfin, Brandon, Worthington, Ahmed, Collins, Schofield, Abbott, McAliskey, E Sodje, A Sodje, Lloyd, Brown, Yates, Senior.

Oldham - Mildenhall, Bruce, Haining, Branston, Griffin, Betsy, Hughes, Bonner, Eyres, Killen, Cooper, D Hall, C Hall, Appleby, Wilkinson, Stam, Pogliacomi.

Referee - Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).