Collins backed to strike it right for Rams
BOSS ROSENIOR CONFIDENT HIS FIRST CHOICE AS NUMBER NINE WILL HIT GOAL TRAIL AND BE A FANS’ FAVOURITE
LIAM Rosenior has backed summer signing James Collins to hit the Derby County goal trail very soon - and insists the striker does not need to change a thing.
Collins joined the Rams from Cardiff City this summer and has played 90 minutes in both League One fixtures so far this season - a 1-0 home win over Oxford United and 1-0 defeat away against Charlton Athletic.
The Republic of Ireland international also went on as a 73rdminute substitute in the 2-1 Carabao Cup first round victory at Mansfield Town in midweek.
The 31-year-old is still searching for his first Rams goal but interim boss Rosenior has been delighted with his contribution so far and was quick to hit back at any early question marks over the player.
Speaking ahead of today’s home fixture against Barnsley at Pride Park Stadium (3pm), he said: “What’s he played? Two games? Give him a chance!
“Everyone is talking like he hasn’t scored for 20 games - he’s played two games and then come on for 15 minutes (at Mansfield), the goalkeeper has made a great save from him. It’s quite funny to me that people are saying he needs to break his duck.
“He’s played two games, so give him a chance and he will score goals. As long as we keep creating chances for him and the team, he will score goals. I’ve got absolutely no doubt about that.”
Rosenior added: “He offers everything.
“He’s 31, he’s played for Ireland, he’s scored hundreds of goals, we’re away at Mansfield and I bring him on for 15 minutes - I’ve never seen a centre forward work as hard as he did to help the team win a game of football, to come back into our box and head balls away.
“He was absolutely everywhere and I think because of his allaction performances, people are speaking about the goals. But people wouldn’t be speaking about him if he wasn’t performing in the manner that he is.
“He’s getting more chances per game than I can remember a centre forward getting at this club and that’s through his good play, through his movement, through his understanding of the game.
“He was my number one target as a number nine – through the summer, even when Wayne (Rooney) was here – and you can see why. We wanted him here, I wanted him, he is here, and he’s going to score goals for us and he’s going to stay in the team.
“And he’s going to keep doing what he’s doing. He doesn’t have to change anything and I think he’s going to be a real fans’ favourite for the club.”