Collins relieved to get his Hatters place back after missing Doncaster demolition

The leading scorer might have had 20 goals to his name prior to Saturday, but was still left waiting to see if he would involved from the start at the Memorial Stadium, after Luton produced one of the best displays of the campaign the previous weekend.

Collins, who had been following the Hatters score while away, said: “Of course, we’ve got that quality in the team, people to come in when people are injured or missing for whatever reason.

“To beat Doncaster, a team who are a very good side, 4-0, is one hell of a statement, so credit to the lads for that.

“We didn’t kick off until six o’clock so I saw we were 1-0 up when we were warming up.

“Then before the game kicked off I saw we were 2-0 up, so I was a bit more relaxed then and to see it was 4-0 at the end of the game, I was delighted.”

Hatters boss Mick Harford knew that Collins would be in excellent shape to fit back in, despite not playing for Ireland in either Euro 2020 qualifier.

He was proved right too, the forward in the right place to tap home Jack Stacey’s cross for a 21st goal of the campaign after 17 minutes.

The Town chief said: “He told me had a mini pre-season when he was away with Ireland, Mick McCarthy and the crew over there.

“He said he worked hard, he didn’t get any minutes, but like the rest of the boys, they put a great shift in.”

Collins was left on the bench for both matches, 1-0 wins over Gibraltar and Georgia, but still felt being away on international duty for the first time was a more than worthwhile experience.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time away and to come back into the side and get a goal and a massive three points, is credit to everyone involved.

“I didn’t manage to get any minutes on the pitch but they were two big games for us .

“It was a new management and you’ve got to look at the quality that’s over there in the squad, they’re all Championship, Premier League players.

“So to train with them every day, be around them every day, see how they do things, I think I took a lot from that.”

Ireland’s next games are in June as they head out to Denmark and then entertain Gibraltar.

Collins is hoping to be selected once more, adding: “Yes of course, all I can do is keep scoring goals for Luton though.

“I think today was my 150th career goal, so I’ve just got to keep going, keep doing that and then hopefully the gaffer will keep picking me.”