A powerful forward, Collins signed for Swindon on a two-year deal after rejecting the offer of a new contract from former club Shrewsbury Town.
Coventry-born Collins started his youth career at Aston Villa where he made his way up through the Villa youth ranks. In October 2009 the forward was loaned to Darlington on a three-month deal, making his professional debut in a 3-0 loss at the hands of Barnet. He went on to make seven appearances for the Quakers scoring twice before returning to Villa.
Despite a trial with Scottish club Aberdeen prior to the 2010/11 season Collins remained an Aston Villa player. Following Martin O’Neill’s departure to Sunderland, caretaker manager Kevin McDonald included the striker in his 20-man squad that travelled to Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League.
A second loan spell away from Villa Park later that season saw Collins join Burton Albion on an emergency loan in October 2010. The striker made an emphatic start to his spell at The Pirelli Stadium notching two goals in his first three games, scoring a further two goals in a total of 10 appearances during his stay. With first team opportunities limited at Villa, he signed a permanent 18-month contract with Shrewsbury in January 2011, finishing the 2010/11 season with an impressive eight goals from 23 appearances.
Last season Collins fired 17 goals in a total of 47 appearances helping Shrewsbury to promotion to League 2, finishing second behind champions Swindon.
Collins has also represented Ireland at U21 level, scoring a quick-fire hat-trick against Liechtenstein in a 4-1 win in October 2011.
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