James Collins has said it’s a ‘confidence booster’ to get a Republic of Ireland call-up ahead of Southampton striker Shane Long, as the Luton hotshot looks set to make his senior international debut tomorrow.
The 28-year-old, who has notched 47 times in 92 Hatters appearances, was selected in Mick McCarthy’s provisional 40-man squad but missed out when that was pared down to 25 men.
However, an injury to Sean Maguire saw Collins called off the standby list and then a shoulder injury for Sheffield United forward David McGoldrick – sustained in Thursday night’s 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifiying draw with Switzerland – has put him in prime position for an appearance in the friendly against Bulgaria on Tuesday.
If he does take the field at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, he’ll be the first Luton player to feature for Ireland since Ashley Grimes back in 1988, in a friendly against Romania..
Collins, whose family are flying over to Dublin for the match, said: “It’s a confidence booster to be picked ahead of Shane. Shane has done far more than me in his club and Ireland career.
“Mick didn’t bring me in if he didn’t think about giving me the chance of being involved.
“With the game being a friendly, it’s a massive opportunity for players who’ve not got minutes to play. We still want to win the game.
“It’s down to me to impress the gaffer if I get my debut.”
Collins has played for the Boys in Green under-19s and under-21s, hitting a hat-trick on his U21 debut against Liechtenstein in 2011. But he has not played for Ireland at any level since 2012.
“I never thought it was completely gone,” Collins told the Irish Independent.
“I did know myself that I’d have to play at a higher level to be recognised and I’ve worked my way up really hard to get myself back to where I am today.
“I believe that getting into the Ireland squad has been repayment for working hard and doing well over the years.
“The way I play at club level has got me my call-up and hopefully it will get me my chance.
“Obviously that’s what the gaffer wants from me and I’m sure if I was to make my debut he would tell me what he wants from me.
“I’m the type of player that whatever he wants from me, I’ll do it.
“So, I think I’ve just got to play my normal game, do what he wants from me, what’s required, and hopefully that will be enough.”
McCarthy has said that there will be changes for the Bulgaria game, raising hopes of a debut for Collins.
The striker said: “If it does happen, it would be a massive honour, a massive thing in my career, to get a cap for the first team. It’s been a while since I scored for Ireland, back with the 21s.
“I definitely want it to happen but I also know that there are players in the squad who are doing really well at club level and international level.
“The team hasn’t lost in this campaign, the lads did really well the other night and I want to learn off these players.
“I want to make sure I’m involved in the squads all the time and eventually I believe my time will come. All I can do is make sure I’m ready.”
Sheffield United defender John Egan said of the striker: “He’s a handful. He’s a great finisher. Any team he’s played for he’s always been on the scoresheet.”
Ireland boss McCarthy said: “There will be some changes against Bulgaria and the players understand that. Those who have travelled with us for the five competitive games without playing know that some of them will get their chances to impress in this match.
“The senior players will be able to show their support for the lads coming into the team and they will do just that. The atmosphere and the morale within the squad is top class and we will enjoy this fixture without the pressure of chasing three points in our bid to reach the EURO 2020 finals.”
