Collins' family unit keeps him focused on bigger picture

Nathan Collins' footballing stock helps to keep him on an even keel.

His dad David had a spell at Liverpool and played for the Irish Under-21s; uncle Eamonn had a good career in England's lower leagues and once managed St Patrick's Athletic; grandad Mick won an FAI Cup with Transport in 1950; and brother Josh has played in the League of Ireland with UCD and Waterford.

So the Leixlip man is well aware that highs and lows are part of any career in the game. It's why he's relaxed about his recent spell out of the Wolves side, and confident it won't hinder his ability to shine for the Republic of Ireland.

"I'm fit and raring to go," Collins said ahead of Monday night's Euro 2024 qualifier against France.

"I look after myself. If I'm not playing, I still do the right things.

"I've been here before to be fair. There have been spells that I haven't played. I've a good background behind me looking after me and keeping me well.

"Me, my family, and everyone behind me, we're strong, we're willing to go work hard again and get back into the team. That's what I'm about, that's who I am, and that's my personality. There are the ups and downs. As I say, don't get too high, and don't get too low. It is what it is."

He will be tasked with nullifying France's awesome attack at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland look to pull off what would be one of their greatest ever qualifier wins.

Kylian Mbappe and Co waltzed past the Netherlands in Paris on Friday night to dispel any notions they may be suffering from a World Cup final hangover.

But Collins is loath to focus too much on the quality of Ireland's opponents.

"If you build it up too much, you could be in trouble," he said. "You'll get to the emotions, I'm just treating it as another game. We all want to