Collins returns for Wales after Coleman talks

09 October 2013 19:01

James Collins has been called up to the Wales squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Belgium after talks with Dragons boss Chris Coleman.

Coleman and Collins had been in dispute after the manager accused the defender of refusing to play for his country last month, something the West Ham player denied.

Coleman made it clear face-to-face talks would be necessary to resolve the disagreement and, after discussions in Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon, Collins was brought back on board.

The 30-year-old will provide valuable defensive cover for a decimated Wales squad missing 10 players named in the original 23-man party, including defenders Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Adam Matthews, Sam Ricketts and Danny Gabbidon.

A statement on the Football Association of Wales website read: "Following face to face meetings this afternoon between Wales manager Chris Coleman and James Collins, the experienced West Ham defender has been called up into the Wales squad to face Macedonia and Belgium.

"Collins took part in a full training session at the Vale of Glamorgan training complex this afternoon."

Liverpool's 16-year-old Harry Wilson has also been handed a call-up, his first to the senior squad, after impressing for Wales Under-17s in their recent fixtures against Hungary, Scotland and Slovenia.

The recall of Collins has come out of the blue after he was not among nine players called up by Coleman on Monday following a raft of withdrawals.

The centre-half's chances of adding to his 41 caps under Coleman had appeared slim, although the player was adamant he had not received a request to join up with the national squad during the defeats to Macedonia and Serbia last month.

Speaking last Thursday at his squad announcement, Coleman had not closed the door on selecting Collins in the future, but pulled no punches in his view of events in September.

Source: PA