Micky Mellon demanding more from James Collins

Boss Micky Mellon has dubbed the 24-year-old 'Superman' after being hugely impressed with Collins's display last time out in the 1-0 win at Gainsborough.

But it was only the fifth goal Collins has scored this season in 17 appearances, five of which have come off the bench, and Mellon has dropped him on occasions because of below-par performances.

The Town chief wants more from the former Swindon and Hibernian man, who has recently become a father.

"The armband seemed to fill him – it was like he turned into 'Superman' and he was filled with Kryptonite!" said Mellon.

"I'm going to get him a bigger armband and eventually it will be a suit that keeps making him better!

"But he has got to do it all the time because he hasn't always been the James Collins we all know he can be at times.

"At Gainsborough,he took the responsibility of being captain and played like one. He was brilliant."

Collins started his career at Aston Villa and played for the Republic of Ireland at various levels up to Under-21s.

Mellon wants people talking up Collins as a possible international in the same way they have been doing for his former Fleetwood hot-shot Jamie Vardy.

"I want to push James on. I want people asking me 'what about Collins? What about him pushing for the Ireland squad?'" said the boss.

"I'm keen to remain being tough on them to keep moving them on because I want to make them good."