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'I didn't want to be involved in football again' - Nathan Collins on his red card

Nathan Collins only has one blemish so far on his record as a defender for Ireland and Wolves, so how has he reacted to that red card?



Ireland and Wolves defender Nathan Collins joined Nathan Murphy on The Football Show.

Nathan Collins is Ireland's best young player right now.

It was Gavin Bazunu, and then it was Michael Obafemi. But Collins' ascension has assured him of a starting position for Ireland but also secured him a record-breaking transfer to Wolves. Although Wolves sacked Bruno Lage early in the year, Collins' performances have been very impressive.

The only negative coverage Collins has received for Ireland or Wolves is that red card against Manchester City. In what was otherwise an effective display, Collins raised his foot high and clattered into Jack Grealish. It was reckless and dangerous, even if not intentional.

Collins served a three-game suspension for the action. So how did the young defender react after being sent off?

"I went home with my girlfriend and I didn't talk all night," Collins said.

"I was just stuck in myself, I was frustrated and I just didn't want to be involved in football again for the foreseeable. But obviously in the moment it's not nice. I felt like I let everyone down, I felt like I let the club down, the fans down.

"It's not a nice feeling. I nearly wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Wolves not only lost that game, but by the time Collins returned to the field they had no full-time manager. Lage signed Collins expecting him to be a cornerstone of the switch from a back three to a back four. The manager would likely have been sacked with or without Collins, but as a new player in a struggling team, the red card was a big deal.

How did his teammates and the coaching staff handle the aftermath?

"Of course it's something that happens in football, but I apologized to the lads. I put them in a bad spot, I made them play with 10 men, so I apologized to the lads. But they were good about it. They knew it was always going to be a tough game no matter what.

"There's only so much I can do in that situation so we moved on quick enough."

Wolves play Leicester on Sunday at 2pm. Collins will expect to start once again.

Eddie Howe has no shame.

 

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Read more about

Ireland Jack Grealish Nathan Collins Wolves