Israel vs Wales: Comeback for James Collins after retail therapy

The defender had a tense public rapprochement with his manager in the middle of Cardiff's St David's Shopping Centre 'so it could not kick off'

James Collins has yet to feature in a campaign in which Wales are unbeaten (Getty Images)

James Collins is set to play a key role in Wales’ Euro 2016 campaign but their manager, Chris Coleman, admits he chose Cardiff’s busiest shopping centre for peace talks so things could not turn ugly.

Collins will win his 45th cap in Wales’ crucial qualifier against Israel on Friday after Hull defender James Chester suffered a dislocated shoulder. The West Ham defender’s international career appeared over after player and manager fell out following Collins’ withdrawal from a Wales squad.

Collins contradicted Coleman’s claim that he had turned down a chance to join the squad as a late call-up before the World Cup qualifier against Serbia in September 2013.

They had a tense public rapprochement in the middle of Cardiff. “We had a coffee in the middle of St David’s Shopping Centre so it could not kick off!” Coleman revealed. “There were too many people around so we had to be civil.

“We had our spat, but I have known him since he was a kid and always liked him, and when he has been with us he has been right in the middle of everything. His presence and personality are going to be very important going forward.”

Collins has had to wait to regain his place at the centre of the Wales defence, with Chester having developed an excellent understanding with captain Ashley Williams since making his international debut last summer.

The 31-year-old has yet to feature in a campaign in which Wales are unbeaten after four games and within a point of Group B leaders Israel. But asked if the falling-out has made Collins value Wales more, Coleman replied: “Yes, absolutely. I think that is the case. This is an opportunity for ‘Ginge’ now. He was brilliant in the last camp, as were Danny Gabbidon and Sam Ricketts, who did not play but were great around the dressing room in Brussels.

“‘Ginge’ likes the challenge and the atmosphere we will find ourselves in. It will be a dogfight, which he enjoys.”