O’Neill praises defensive strengths of Aston Villa newcomer James Collins

Nov 4 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post

Aston Villa defender James Collins has been backed to become “one of the best” by manager Martin O’Neill ahead of his first return to former club West Ham United this evening.

Tonight’s trip to Upton Park could provide Collins with early vindication for quitting the Hammers to pursue his Champions League ambitions, because a Villa win would lift them into the top four.

The Wales international was allowed to leave West Ham for £5million at the end of August when Gianfranco Zola was placed under pressure to generate funds for the cash-strapped London club.

Despite arriving at Villa to an apathetic welcome from a claret and blue faithful as unimpressed to see him come as West Ham fans were to see him go, Collins has become an overnight sensation.

Alongside Richard Dunne, Collins has been a tower of strength in O’Neill’s new-look defence and the manager is proud of how the 26-year-old has stepped out of his fellow new boy’s shadow.

“I’m pleased because he has been absolutely terrific,” said O’Neill.

“In many aspects, with Richard Dunne having had the career he’s had and them coming in at the same time, James almost came in under Richard’s umbrella, as it were.