Coleman still backing Collins

Chris Coleman insists Aston Villa defender James Collins still has an international future.

Wales boss wants to evaluate other players

Chris Coleman insists Aston Villa defender James Collins still has an international future despite omitting him from his squad to face Mexico in New Jersey later this month. The experienced 28-year-old centre-back was left out of the squad for the end-of-season friendly in America along with Danny Gabbidon and Rob Earnshaw. Collins has been an integral part of the Wales squad over the last eight years. But Coleman is adamant that his decision to leave out the former West Ham stopper, along with Gabbidon and Earnshaw, will allow the trio a full summer's rest and give him the chance to evaluate other players. "James Collins has lost his place with Ashley Williams being really the mainstay and Darcy Blake has done well at international level," he said. "They haven't done anything wrong there. James has had a long hard season, he has had a few niggles. "I know all about James. I'm not going to learn anything from James. I'm not going to learn anything from Danny or Robert in this game. "I may learn other things from players I don't know so well. I spoke to Robbie and Danny and they are fine. "It's not me burning bridges with these experienced players. On the contrary they are very much part of our make-up and squad going forward."