Wolves centre-back Nathan Collins and (inset) Kylian Mbappe.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Nathan Collins has been backed to get over the disappointment of being dropped by Julen Lopetegui ahead of facing France and Kylian Mbappe later this month.
The 21-year-old had been a mainstay in the starting lineup following his arrival from Stoke City in the summer, supplanting Conor Coady in the centre of defence. But he has not started a Premier League game since Craig Dawson arrived in January from West Ham United.
It means the Republic of Ireland international has had minimal gametime at Wolves ahead of a huge Euro 2024 qualifier against France in Dublin on 27 March. They also play Latvia five days prior.
Former Birmingham City centre-back Kenny Cunningham believes that Collins will start regardless against a frightening French attack that went very close to winning the World Cup in December. And he expects nothing less than a top performance from him.
“I think the experience of Dawson and Kilman being given the armband, which tells you the standing the manager holds him, shows it’s going to be a tough one for him. It’s not ideal for him in terms of his development,” he told Off The Ball.
[Source: birminghammail.co.uk]