Martin O’Neill believes James Collins will prove a crucial player for Aston Villa Football Club.

The summer signing from West Ham United has impressed during his four Premier League games for his new club, and O’Neill believes he will get even better.

“Collins is a real player, he can play it, he goes and heads it and competes and he’s got composure on the ball,” said the Villa manager. "That is something that we perhaps haven’t had in the past.”

Collins, a Welsh international, is forging a good solid pairing with Richard Dunne, another summer arrival, in the heart of the Villa back-four.

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