2024 European Championship Qualifying Group B: Republic of Ireland v France (Monday, Aviva Stadium, 7.45)
DEFENDER Nathan Collins says the Republic of Ireland players think so highly of their manager Stephen Kenny that they are prepared to “go to war” for him in Monday night’s Euro 2024 showdown with France in Dublin.
Collins might be out of favour at Wolves – but it would be a major surprise if he missed out against the French having performed heroically for the best part of his 11 international appearances, topped off by a brilliant individual goal against Nations League opponents Ukraine last year.
“I can't speak highly enough of the gaffer,” said Collins. “Him, Keith [Andrews], everyone he's brought in, all the backroom staff, they've been unbelievable.
“Ever since I've come in, they've given me everything I've needed. They've given me the confidence and the freedom I've needed. I can't speak highly enough of them and we know as a team, we're going to war for him - we're going to war for all the lads.
“We know how much work they do off the pitch and the only thing we can do is back them on the pitch.”
Regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Irish football since his debut in a 2021 friendly against Qatar, Collins netted a £20m move from Burnley to Wolves last summer. But since Craig Dawson’s arrival at Molineux, the 22-year-old centre back has found himself on the bench.
“I'm fit and raring to go,” Collins said at Friday’s press briefing in Abbotstown.
“I look after myself. If I'm not playing, I still do the right things... I'm in the gym. When you're not in the team, you get to work on different things you can't work on when you're in the team. I took the positives out of it. I made the best out of it and I worked on what I needed to work on.
“I've been here before, to be fair. There have been spells that I haven't played. I've a good background behind me looking after me and keeping me well. Me, my family, and everyone, we're strong.
“We're willing to work hard again and get back into the team. That's what I'm about, that's who I am, and that's my personality. There are ups and downs. Don't get too high, and don't get too low.
“I'm playing the way the gaffer and the coaches want me, and that’s all I can do. The 11 games have gone in a flash. I've enjoyed every moment and I just want to keep going. I want to keep improving, I want to create memories with Ireland and progress as much as we can.”
With the prospect of getting up close and personal French superstar Kylian Mbappe on Monday night, Collins insists he won’t approach arguably the biggest game of his young career any differently than a run-of-the-mill league game for Wolves.
“I think you have to. If you build it up too much, you could be in trouble. I'm just treating it as another game, the same routines and when it comes to it, it's what you want to do as a kid.
“You want to play against the best in the world. Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited, I can't wait to go, but right now, I'm keeping myself controlled and calm and just looking after myself.”