3/1 To Win
Derby County striker James Collins says it's 'so important' that he's off the mark for the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One season.
The striker bagged the first of the Rams' three goals in the 3-0 victory over Burton Albion on Saturday and he was delighted to get on the scoresheet and contribute to the win.
Conor Hourihane and Conor Washington scored late on to seal a convincing win for Head Coach Paul Warne's side.
Speaking to RamsTV after the match at the Pirelli Stadium, Collins gave his verdict on the 90 minutes.
On his goal...
It was very similar to the one I got here last year with Conor Hourihane crossing it for me to head it! I like it here. I was at Burton Albion on loan as an 18-year-old lad and loved every minute of it. I learned a lot of life lessons as well as football lessons here and it was a big part of my journey so it's always nice to come back and score.
On how important it is to get off the mark early doors...
It's so important. It took me seven or eight games last year and I was missing chances left, right and centre so this year to get off the mark in the second league game is huge. As a striker I want to score goals and I'm delighted to get off the mark today and contribute to the win.
On the first win of the season...
It's massive for us. Against Wigan last week the performance was decent but the result obviously wasn't there and then in the Carabao Cup against Blackpool we know that wasn't good enough. The character of the lads today, to come to a difficult place, keep a clean-sheet and score three goals is a great day all around.
It's the start of a tough week as we've got a good Oxford United side at Pride Park on Tuesday, Fleetwood at home after that and then we go to Peterborough United so we need to keep that momentum and kick on.
On the overall performance...
We've got some good quality in the group, we've recruited really well and we've still got great lads here from last year so maybe you can see it starting to gel now. The back five were excellent and they deserved their clean sheet and the lads that came on changed the game for us. It's a squad game and I feel we are looking strong and you can see that today.
On the competition for places up top...
That's what you want and that's what makes a good squad and what makes successful squads. I've played in many squads throughout my career where the competition has been high and it keeps everyone on their toes and you know if you don't perform to your best then you could be out of the team.
The lads that came on were excellent. The Derby fans know how good Waggy is and Wash is getting fitter now and looking a threat so we've got competition all over the pitch and that will only benefit us moving forward.
On Tuesday night against Oxford...
There's not many better places to play than Pride Park on a Tuesday night. It will be a tough game because Oxford are looking good this year and they've recruited well and have a good manager. We need to be at it and if we play like we did in the second half today then I think we'll be fine.
