Shrewsbury Town hitman James Collins today reflected on “the biggest goal of my career” – and hoped it had booked his place in the team for Saturday’s home game against Torquay.

The 20-year-old sent Town and their 5,176 supporters into dreamland by giving the League Two side a shock 17th minute lead at the Emirates in last night’s Carling Cup third round tie.

While Arsenal eventually ran out 3-1 winners, it was a timely strike by Collins in more ways than one – with the return of Terry Gornell from suspension on Saturday set to throw an extra dimension into the battle for the striking places.

“When it went in, I couldn’t believe my luck and it was a great feeling to score at a ground like this and put us 1-0 up,” said the Republic of Ireland under-21 international.

“Marvin (Morgan) put in a great ball with his left foot and I saw it go over the defender’s (Johan Djourou) head.

“I just managed to get a head on it and luckily enough it went in. It’s probably the biggest goal of my career so far.

“I was in the team at the start of the season and then the gaffer changed it around and Terry did really well and we were winning.

“I had to bide my time and wait for my chance and hopefully scoring here has kept me in the team for Saturday.”

Collins admitted there was mixed emotions as he departed the Emirates.

“It’s good to score at a place like this but we are disappointed not to win the tie,” added the forward.

“We should have been ahead at half-time but they pegged us back in the second half and do what Arsenal do.

“Last night was one of those occasions you get in football which you can remember for the rest of your life, but winning on Saturday is much more important for us,” he added.