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Collins, looking back on last season, despite a lack of First Team opportunities, you must have been delighted to see the team survive on the final day of the season?
Of course, I’ve been at Fulham for four years now. My first three years here were great but obviously I had a disappointing season last year but I’m so proud of the boys - it's just a shame I couldn’t be there to help them out.
It was Brian McBride’s last game as a Fulham player at Fratton Park - did you get to say goodbye to him?
I've spoken to Brian on the phone, said goodbye and wished him luck. Everybody loves Brian - he’s such a professional and a perfect captain and leader. He’s a great professional and he played a big part in my time here. I mean it from the bottom of my heart, Brian McBride is the perfect example to any footballer.
After the season finished is it true you took a keen interest in the tennis down at SW19?
Yeah I took my family to Wimbledon; it was great to see live tennis. I was supporting Federer and my girlfriend was supporting Nadal. We didn’t talk for two hours! I was so nervous I couldn’t even watch the last service!
Steve McClaren has been appointed Manager of your former Club FC Twente in Holland - do you still keep an eye on their results?
My brother, Paddy John, has just turned 18 and he’s training with the FC Twente First Team now - he’s doing well so hopefully Steve McClaren can give him a chance and he can make progress this year.
FC Twente has got great fans. Even now I’m still kind of sorry I never got to say goodbye to the fans. It’s an upcoming club and they’ve qualified for the Champions League, knocking out Ajax - that’s a great result and hopefully McClaren can keep the club moving on. The last manager did a great job in three years he came 4th, UEFA Cup and Champions League. Now hopefully Steve McClaren can take over and keep the key players.
It must have been incredibly frustrating for you watching Euro 2008 as a Dutch player and fan?
"It was frustrating - not because I had a terrible season last year but because of this injury. I always thought this tournament I would be in there. A couple of years ago this tournament [Euro 2008] was my target and if I believe in something I want it to happen.
"I'm disappointed but that’s football. I'm 23 years - I’ve got a lot of years ahead of me. So I just need to get fit quickly and do what I was doing a couple of years ago."
Speaking of the injury, how is the rehabilitation coming on?
"It’s very good, my leg is getting stronger. I need to thank the Club for that because they are doing a very good job. I know it’s not done yet but it’s looking good and I'm looking forward to the future."
You've scored some fantastic goals for Fulham in the past, including a contender for Goal of the Season at the Riverside. Those memories must inspire you during those long hard hours in the gym?
"When my mum came to Wimbledon recently she said, 'I’ve got a present for you'. It was like a tape put onto a DVD with nothing written on it - just a blank disc.
"I put it in the DVD player I couldn’t believe it. It was me when I was 12 years old playing for FC Twente with all my goals, celebrations and bad haircuts!
"I couldn’t believe it. She kept it for the right moment and she knows I like to watch the goals that I've scored - it just gave me a good feeling.
"She said to me, 'I know you’re down because of your injury and that’s why I've waited for the right time to give it to you'. It was very emotional.
"I love scoring goals and if I don’t score goals my confidence will go down. Hopefully next year I will get some - my target for next season is 15 goals."
