Collins rejects quit rumours

James Collins: Adamant he is not quitting Wales and will play on for his country

James Collins has dismissed talk that he could quit playing for Wales, insisting he is determined to fight for his international future.

Reports in Wales suggested the Aston Villa defender pulled out of the latest Welsh squad for the games with Switzerland and Bulgaria after being dropped for the defeat to England at Wembley last month.

Cardiff defender Darcy Blake played in the place of Collins against England and will keep his spot for the games against Switzerland and Bulgaria.

Collins maintains he is as committed to his country as he has ever been and that he is only missing the two upcoming games because of a foot injury.

"I am gutted to miss out for Wales because I want to play every game if I can," said Collins.

"There was a bit of talk back home that I might have pulled out because I didn't play in the last couple of games.

"But that certainly wasn't the case at all because I am actually injured so I am sad to be missing out. It hasn't entered my mind at all to quit playing for Wales.

"My dad told me there was a piece in one of the papers down in Wales saying I had pulled out of the squad because I was unhappy that I didn't play or something. But that wasn't the case at all.

"I would have loved to have been there with the boys.

Annoyed

"The rumours do annoy me a bit. Obviously I was disappointed to miss out last time.

"I spoke to my family so they know how disappointed I was because it was such a big game for Wales that I didn't play.

"But it was a decision the manager had to make but to start rumours that I am not going to turn up this time because I didn't play is rubbish and when I'm fit I'll be there."