‘We have to manage him but he knows his own body’ - Lambert on keeping Collins fit
James Collins impressed on his Ipswich debut. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
Paul Lambert knows defender James Collins will need to be looked after throughout the second half of the season but trusts the veteran to manage his own body.
James Collins was immense in Town's crucial 1-0 win over Rotherham. Picture: STEVE WALLER - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
Collins signed as a free agent last week and went straight into the side for last Saturday’s victory over Rotherham, putting in a superb display as the Blues secured a backs-to-the-wall victory.
He is set to start again at Blackburn today, partnering captain Luke Chambers at the heart of the Ipswich defence.
“He’s fine,” Lambert said when asked if the 35-year-old was fit to play. “We just manage him through but he was outstanding last week, which was apparent for everyone to see.
“He’s 35-years-old and, even if he had been playing every week before he got here, your body can’t do what it can at 25. That’s just human nature.
Luke Chambers and James Collins stand firm at the back. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
“James knows how to manage his body which is important. You have to know what makes people tick and what doesn’t.
“He’s a player who has played at the highest level for most of his career and he’ll be great for us.”
Most Read
- 1 Severe delays on major Suffolk route after crash
- 2 'You have broken us!' - New cafe at Suffolk beauty spot on huge demand
- 3 Richest people in East Anglia revealed on Sunday Times Rich List
- 4 Police carry out 'pre-planned' operation in Felixstowe road
- 5 Plans to explore Dutch-style cycling network in Suffolk town
- 6 'I like his profile' - McKenna looking forward to working with Ndaba
- 7 Double drink driver who killed Jennifer, 32, jailed six years and eight months
- 8 Indiana Jones-inspired metal detectorist finds £65k Roman hoard
- 9 Man exposes himself to two women on Thorpeness beach
- 10 'Bonne Mania' made us all smile... it faded but we'll always have the memories
Collins enjoyed his start to life at Portman Road and believes a similarly-committed display is needed if the Blues are to back up their Rotherham win at Ewood Park.
“It couldn’t have gone better and it was the perfect game to come into really,” the defender said.
Luke Chambers and James Collins complain to referee James Linington during the second half onslaught. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM - Credit: Picture: Steve Waller
“They were putting plenty of balls into the box and I’ve always enjoyed that type of defending.
“We played really well in the first half and hung on a bit in the second but it was a huge three points.
“To a man I thought everyone was magnificent and we will certainly need that going forward.
“It’ll be another tough game this weekend against Blackburn but we have some confidence from the Rotherham result and we’re looking forward to it.”
Ipswich Town have signed James Collins on a free transfer. Picture: ITFC - Credit: Archant
Collins’ arrival has seen Matthew Pennington moved to right-back, replacing Jordan Spence, with the Blues boss happy to use the Everton loanee in a role he played during much of last season’s loan at Leeds United.
“I think one of Matty’s big attributes is that he’s very good on the ball,” the Ipswich boss said of the defender.
“He’s really strong, won so many balls at the back post when it was on top of us all the time and he’s a very good footballer. He can adapt to most positions.”
