 | NORTHERN IRELAND v WALES Kick-off: 1400 BST, Saturday, 8 October Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast Live on BBC TV, radio and this website |
James Collins is intent on wiping out the memory of the worst moment of his fledgling international career when he faces Northern Ireland in Belfast. The centre-back, 22, was a surprise choice for the reverse fixture in Cardiff, and his mistakes played a part in both of NI's goals in the 2-2 draw.
That result signalled the beginning of the end of Wales' qualification hopes.
"Slipping for their second goal sticks in my mind, but I learned and became mentally stronger," said Collins.
"I got into the Cardiff team after that and I have not looked back since.
"It was funny because people were saying that I made a mistake, but I didn't see it that way. I just slipped.
"Everyone slips. But, if you play in my position and you slip, then there is a 60% or 70% chance of it ending in a goal."
Few would argue against the fact that Collins came back stronger, and Premiership West Ham saw enough to impress them.
|  I had been at Cardiff since I was a kid, so it was a big change to join West Ham |
They insisted that he formed part of a transfer swoop for Danny Gabbidon as the Bluebirds duo headed to Upton Park in a �3.2m summer deal. Collins has yet to feature in the Premiership, but says he is prepared to bide his time.
"It has taken time to get my head around the changes in my life," he admitted.
"I had been at Cardiff since I was a kid and knew everyone, so it was a big change to join West Ham.
"Leaving Cardiff was tough, and I got an injury two days before the season started which has put me back a bit.
"Now the team has started so well it has been tough to get into the team, and you can't go knocking on the manager's door after the way West Ham have started, that would be a bit cheeky. I just hope for a chance soon."
| Belfast will be a good place to start Wales' recovery |
If he is on the fringes for his club, with fellow centre-half Gabbidon suspended for the Northern Ireland tie Collins will be a key figure in Wales' defence in Belfast. Boosted by this week's award as Welsh Young Player of the Year, the Newport-born defender is ready to step up to the mark in the Windsor Park cauldron.
"Our results have not been great recently, but everyone agreed that our displays against England and Poland were more than decent and now we want to turn that into positive results in these next matches," he said.
"Belfast will be a good place to start. It will be tough because of their last game and the victory over England, but if we play like we did against England we will be ok.
"There are so many young lads now looking to break into the first team, in a couple of years' time things will be going pretty well."
MMIX
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