Luton striker James Collins is set to make his senior Republic of Ireland debut tonight against Bulgaria in Dublin and he revealed that earning his first cap would be a ‘dream come true’.
The 28-year-old has won caps a Under-19 and Under-21 level, but has not seen international action of any calibre since 2012.
But back-to-back promotions and two 20-plus goal hauls in a Hatters shirt have seen him selected for the Boys in Green on a few occasions, without making an appearance.
But with an injury to David McGoldrick in Tuesday’s 1-1 Euro 2020 qualifier against Switzerland, it seems Collins is finally going to get his chance in tonight’s friendly.
Asked what it would mean to walk out at the Aviva Stadium, the forward said: “To make my senior debut on Tuesday would be a dream come true.”
Collins scored a hat-trick on his U21 debut against Liechtenstein in 2011 and with three goals in the Championship already this season, asked what it would mean if he were to play and score for the senior team, he said: “It would be amazing to score a goal for your country. I’ve seen the Aviva when the goal went in on Thursday and it was rocking. If that was to be me on Tuesday would be something you’d never ever forget.”
