Collins | 'I saw the team and something to build on'

Nathan Collins has revealed that Wolves’ playing style under Bruno Lage played a part in his decision to join the club, believing it compliments his own game perfectly.

The defender completed his move from Burnley earlier in the week, and has enjoyed a rapid integration into the group during the first-team’s pre-season training camp in Alicante. The 21-year-old possesses all the attributes of a modern day central defender, and impressed in matches against the old gold last term, so is now relishing the opportunity to remain in the Premier League and link up with the players he was facing at Turf Moor just three months ago.

On a quick settling in process

“It was full on from the day I did my medical, straight over to Spain. Since I’ve come here, I’ve really enjoyed it, the couple of days have been really fun and all the lads have been really welcoming so far.

“Training’s been tough and it’s a tough standard, so I’m getting myself up to speed, but I’ve enjoyed it so far, it’s been good.”

On Wolves being the right club for him

“There was a lot to it. I played against Wolves twice last season and saw the style of play, and I think it complements my style of play. I saw the team and saw there was something to build on, and I think there’s something to chase as a team. We have high aspirations and I’m looking forward to the season.

“When I played them at Molineux, that was tough. They played us off the park really. It was a different game when we played them at home, but they were a tough team and we probably didn’t deserve to win, but we got a result somehow. Tough team to play against and on their day they’re a really good team.”

On adapting to the Premier League

“I think it took me a few games to get up to speed but by the end of the season I was really enjoying myself. I love the standard, I love playing against these players, it’s one of the best leagues in the world easily, every player wants to play in it, so I really enjoyed the challenge.”

On his Wolves aspirations

“This season I want to push for Europe, I think as a group we all want that. That should be the minimum of what we want to push for, but if we do that, we can push on again and keep getting better as a team over the next five years.”

On joining his new teammates

“Only Connor Ronan [he knew]. I played with him a few times with Ireland. It was good, he helped me out to start with. It was better to come in now for the camp, there’s nobody else to talk to other than the lads, and it was the best chance to get to know them.

“It was really good [to train], I really enjoyed it. Everyone was so welcoming, it looks like a really well-run club. The standard of training ground is really high and I can’t wait to get back there again and start training.”

On being raring to go

“I can’t wait, I need to get back playing football, I missed it over the break. The Premier League’s one of the best, I really enjoy the challenge of it, so I want to get back playing as soon as.”