Town have confirmed the signing of veteran Welsh international defender James Collins on a short-term deal through to the end of the season.
Collins, 35, goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s key clash with relegation rivals Rotherham at Portman Road along with other recent captures Will Keane, Callum Elder, Collin Quaner and Simon Dawkins.
Newport-born Collins began his career at Cardiff City, making 67 league appearances before moving on to West Ham, Aston Villa and then back to the Hammers, where he spent six seasons until his release last summer.
In September, TWTD revealed that free agent Collins, who was released by the Hammers last summer, was training with the Town squad.
The 6ft 2in tall centre-half was subsequently offered a contract by former boss Paul Hurst but after he suffered a hamstring injury the proposed move broke down and he rejoined Villa on trial.
The former Wales international, who has won 51 full caps and has scored three international goals, then signed a short-term deal with Villa but after picking up a calf injury ripped up his contract.
Town boss Paul Lambert, who hinted yesterday that Collins would start against the Millers, said: "James has a great presence about him and that can be huge for us. He has played at the highest level and his experience will be vital. We’re delighted to have him here.”
Collins, who has spent the bulk of his career in the Premier League, impressed boss Lambert in training this week and has been allocated squad number 39.