Focused forward James Collins today vowed to re-pay the faith of Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner for sticking by him through his off-field troubles.

Collins missed two matches when he was the subject of internal discipline after a car he was travelling in smashed into the central reservation of a motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning a fortnight ago.

But the 20-year-old returned to the Town fray in style on Saturday, bouncing off the bench to score from the penalty spot during an impressive cameo appearance in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge.

And Collins – who also had a goal disallowed for a narrow offside at Victoria Road – is now desperate to look to the future.

“It’s been a tough two weeks but I have put it behind me now,” said Collins.

“The manager punished me in his own way but he has stuck behind me and put me back in the squad which I appreciate a lot.

“Hopefully getting the goal and the win on Saturday paid him back and I can continue to do that. I’m looking forward.”

Collins’ immediate focus is on whether he will be available to Town – who spent yesterday on a training and team bonding session at RAF Shawbury – for Saturday’s FA Cup first round clash at Newport County on Saturday morning.

The former Aston Villa youngster is due to head off on international duty with Republic of Ireland under 21s on Saturday morning, but is hoping that can be delayed so he can play a part in the televised trip to the Blue Square Premeir strugglers.

Shrewsbury also have a similar dilemma with Tom Bradshaw who is due to link up with Wales under 21s.

Town have agreed to allow midfielder Steve Leslie to remain on loan at Hereford for another month, but have declined him permission to play in the Bulls’ FA Cup tie with Yeovil on Saturday.