SUNDERLAND defender Danny Collins has spoken of his determination to succeed at the highest level, and revealed how he never doubted he had what it takes to become a top-flight footballer.

The 24-year-old capped a rapid rise from the non-league game to the Championship by making his full debut for the Black Cats in the 2-0 win against Brighton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Only five months ago Collins was plying his trade in the Nationwide Conference for Chester City, but always wanted to succeed at a higher level.

He said: "I never thought I had missed my chance at 24. Brett Omerod played for Accrington Stanley three years ago and now he plays in the Premier League. But I've got the chance and now I've got to take it.

"When I was at Chester there were a lot of players arriving at the club coming down the leagues. But I was thinking if I worked hard enough and carried on producing good performances that I might get the chance to move up.

"In the Conference, and even in League Two, the game is played at 100 miles an hour. There is a lot of fighting for balls in the air and tackles are flying.

"But judging by Saturday's game, you do seem to have a bit more time on the ball and quality.

"I enjoyed it on Saturday and it didn't really sink in until a couple of hours after the game that I was actually playing in front of 25,000 fans. It was a great atmosphere to play in."

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy admitted he is more than happy with his latest acquisition and says he had no doubts the Flintshire- born defender could make the step up in class.

He said: "I thought he made a terrific debut. He gives us balance on the left side, he defends very well and is good in the air. But he will have tougher days defensively against an out-and-out right winger.

"We had watched him lots of times and he even played against us, so we knew he could play. He has decent pace, is good on the ball and he's not looked out of place in training, which is always a good indication - just like Neil Collins when he came.

"I'm not surprised he's made the step up. It does not happen too often with players of his age when you consider some 17 and 18-year-olds are being put in first teams. But maybe we're just lucky recipients of someone who has blossomed late in life.

"I know Sheffield United were keen - they had a season ticket at Chester watching him but it's taking the chance at times."

Collins is one of the few footballers who have made the leap from non-league to the second tier of the football ladder in the past 25 years.

Two North-East examples are Sunderland's Barry Dunn and Newcastle United's Alan Shoulder.

Dunn made his debut for the Wearsiders as a 27-year-old in 1979 following his transfer from Blue Star. Shoulder made his debut for the Magpies in the same season, aged 25, after moving from Blyth Spartans.

Collins has adjusted to the gulf in class with ease and helped his new side to their fifth home win of the season and a seventh clean sheet to boot.

McCarthy asked his £140,000 signing to fill in for injured Northern Ireland international George McCartney.

Collins said: "I don't usually play left back but the gaffer asked me to play there and I have done a couple of times in the past.

"If I'm selected for the game against Wolves, I will try and impress again.

"I'm happy to play at left back rather than centre half. It is unfortunate that George McCartney is injured but it has given me the chance to show what I can do."

Sunderland, meanwhile, will be facing a managerless Wolves side after Dave Jones was dismissed yesterday.

But McCarthy still expects Wanderers to provide one of their toughest tests so far, despite his old mate being sacked.

He said: "Dave Jones is a good pal of mine and naturally I'm saddened by the news of his departure.

"It is never nice when a manager loses his job, especially when it is someone who is a mate like Dave.

"I think Wolves will provide us with a tougher test than Brighton. When you look at their group of players, who were playing in the Premier League not so long ago, they will aspire to better performances and bigger things and they will come and play us in a more open game.

"But I will be surprised if they come with the attitude to sit back."

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