West Ham star James Collins out to clinch Wales spot in bubbling Swansea cauldron

Former Cardiff man James Collins can expect a hot reception from Swansea fans

 

JAMES COLLINS will wear his heart on his sleeve this afternoon - in more ways than one - as West Ham's Welsh international defender returns to his homeland on TWO dream missions.

 

The first will be to put one over Swansea because as a former Cardiff player and fan they are the enemy, so to speak.

But the second one - and the most important to him - is to play the sort of blinder that will help clinch his place in the Wales national squad that faces England in next summer's European championships.

Collins knows he will run a gauntlet of abuse from Swansea fans he never actually played against when he was with Cardiff City. But he's ready for them.

 

He said: " I get some stick down there which is understandable. Obviously as a Cardiff fan I don't want Swansea to do too well. All my pals are still Cardiff fans so it would be nice to put one over Swansea for them.

"I speak a lot to Ash (Williams). There  is a bit of turmoil down there with the manager being sacked, but the rivalry (with Williams) has started already."

Having said that, Williams and Swansea full back Neil Taylor are his teammates in the Wales squad and there will be much talk about that as well today.

Collins said: "Qualifying for the Euros with Wales is probably the biggest achievement of my career. Being part of a squad which has qualified for the first time in 50 years or so is very important for me.

 

"Playing against England was destined to be and is a massive game. I am getting asked for tickets already so that's going to be fun leading up to the game."

But it is that game and that tournament that are the reasons Collins is so focused on playing out of his skin for West Ham between now and the end of the season.

"I will have to do that to go to the Euros," he added. "I will have to keep fit and keep my place in the West Ham team to eventually play in the Euros. 

"Wales have a tremendous squad now. Years ago you might have expected to get into that team even if you weren't playing regular club football, but the Wales squad now is the best I have ever been involved with.

"I really have to play well regularly for West Ham if I am to go to France with Wales in the summer."