James Collins is set for the ‘stick’ he’s likely to get from Swansea fans at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon.
The central defender did well in last weekend’s clash with Stoke and is again likly to get the call at the centre of defence, but as a former Cardiff City player he’s ready for the terrace taunts.
Speaking to the official site he said: “I do get a little bit of stick down there to be honest. Growing up as a Cardiff fan, I never wanted Swansea to do too well. All my pals are still Cardiff fans, so to get one over them would be nice for my mates.”
He will also be in against his Wales team-mates which include right-back Neil Taylor and the Welsh captain Ashley Williams.
He added: “I spoke to Ashley Williams this week, and the rivalry’s started already. We’ve got a good record against them, so it should be a good game.”
He recognises that Swansea have been in “a bit of turmoil” after losing manager Garry Monk this week, but says it will make no difference to the outcome this weekend.
“I think it was a bit harsh him getting sacked”, Collins said. “I think he was doing a good job down there. Obviously the results weren’t quite going right, but they’re professional footballers – they’ll be up for any game.”