COLLINS: WE JUST NEED THAT BIT OF LUCK

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Collins delighted to make Premier League debut with a clean sheet

2021-10-03T11:18:49.772Z

COLLINS: WE JUST NEED THAT BIT OF LUCK

Collins delighted to make Premier League debut with a clean sheet

2021-10-03T11:18:49.772Z

Collins delighted to make Premier League debut with a clean sheet

Defender Nathan Collins believes he grabbed his Premier League opportunity with both hands after a rock-solid debut in Burnley’s 0-0 draw with Norwich City.

The Clarets were unable to convert sustained spells of possession into three points but kept their first top-flight clean sheet of the season with Collins and stand-in skipper James Tarkowski at the heart of defence.

Collins was a late call-up to Sean Dyche’s starting XI after club captain Ben Mee suffered an injury in training ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash at Turf Moor.

And the precocious 20-year-old, who signed from Stoke City on a four-year deal this summer, said: “I’m really grateful for the chance and am really happy with how I played – I had to take it with both hands and I feel like I did.

“I'm delighted - I've been waiting a long time and I feel like I’ve done alright.

“Ben got injured yesterday in training but I always prepare like I’m going to play – I’m always ready.

COLLINS: THESE ARE THE STAGES I WANT TO PLAY ON - Image 2

“It’s easy to play beside [James Tarkowski] – he’s such a good player and such a good professional. He’s really easy going to play alongside, and Ben Mee as well – it’s really easy.

“[A clean sheet] is always a good thing - we set the tone from our end and that helps the boys up top, and we did that today.

“We just need that bit of luck – we’re creating chances and defending well – it’s just the final third.

“We just need that bit of luck but I’m sure it will come – and I know the lads are sure of it as well.”

Collins featured in both of Burnley’s Carabao Cup victories over Newcastle United and Rochdale but had to be patient for his first top-flight start.

Mee, 32, and Tarkowski, 28, have formed a formidable partnership in Dyche’s defence but after the skipper suffered a knock on Friday, the Irish ace was catapulted into the Premier League big time.

Defender Nathan Collins looks ahead to Terriers FA Cup clash

And he took to the occasion like a duck to water, regularly winning back possession and dominating aerial duels as the Clarets’ opponents drew a league blank for the first time this season.

Collins was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad in September but was forced to withdraw through injury.

He’s back in Stephen Kenny’s plans for the upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Qatar, however, and the former Under-21 international says he’s relishing the prospect of a long-awaited first-team debut.

Collins added: “It’s always a dream to play for Ireland and always an honour, so I’m delighted with that.

“That’s the game – it happens and you get injuries. But I’m here now and I’m feeling good, so hopefully I can stay fit.”