Loan defender Danny Collins says he expects to be fine for Town’s trip to Cardiff on Saturday, despite being withdrawn from the Wales squad for their final two Euro 2012 qualifiers due to a groin injury. Collins, who is with the Blues from Stoke until after the Barnsley game in December, is enjoying his time at Portman Road and would like to stay for longer.
Collins, speaking in a BBC Radio Suffolk interview, says the injury is not a serious concern: "It’s not too bad. Since the end of last season I’ve had a bit of aggravation in my groin. It’s tended to be OK since I’ve been here and playing games has got me through and it’s when I rest it I aggravate it.
"But I’ve kept ticking over since I’ve been here and I’ve had to have a break. I’ve played five games in a short space of time since I came here after not really playing at the start of the season. I just felt that it was a chance for me to get it right and get it rested for the Cardiff game.”
The 31-year-old says his spell is going well and he’d like to return to the Blues when the transfer window opens in January: "I'm enjoying it, overall I've been pleased with my performances. Hopefully we can get something sorted out to stay here longer. We'll have to see what happens.
"I've got other things aside of football going on at the minute with a baby on the way," he added. "But perhaps we could extend my loan until the end of the season and then see how things go from there."
Collins has been impressed with the squad assembled by manager Paul Jewell: "We don't fear anyone in the league. Look at the squad, there's a lot of Premier League experience, a lot of quality.
"We've changed our formation these last few games and teams are struggling to cope with us. The lads in front of us have started to click and it's a joy to watch at times. We look like adding goals to our good performances, which is nice."
Coach Sean McCarthy similarly feels belief is growing amongst the squad: "There's a confidence, a feelgood factor at the club that comes from winning.
"The players that we've brought in are starting to gel now. Everything feels good around the place at the moment, the players are enjoying themselves."
Meanwhile, the Blues' reserves, who are run by McCarthy, will face Arsenal in a friendly at Playford Road on Tuesday 1st November.
Photo: Action Images / Andrew Couldridge