James Collins is the player that epitomises Luton Town Football Club, that’s according to boss Graeme Jones.
The striker won and converted a penalty to notch his third of the campaign and start the comeback against Huddersfield on Saturday, with Andrew Shinnie’s sublime strike, soon after, confirming a first Championship home win of the season.
Luton have not lost this term when Collins has hit the target, while his record so far of a goal every other game in his first ever season in the second tier, has put the hotshot on 47 goals in 92 Hatters appearances, including 15 in his last 17 games at Kenilworth Road.
But it’s also his work-rate to help the team that impresses and he can often be found defending headers in his own box or tearing around after defenders.
“I think James defines the club,” Jones said, adding: “If you had to look at one player for what this club is, it’s James Collins.
“It’s the underdog who’s got far more quality that people give him credit for. It’s the hard worker who hasn’t forgot his roots and where he’s come from and that’s what makes James Collins and integral part of Luton Town.”
Collins joins up with the Republic of Ireland squad during the international break, having initially been named in a provisional 40-man squad, not being selected for the final 25-man squad and then getting called up again do to injuries.
The 28-year-old is yet to make his senior international debut, so will hope to get a nod for Irelands Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Switzerland on Thursday, or the Bulgaria friendly, also in Dublin, on Tuesday September 10.
