Collins wants to keep Luton up and impress new Ireland boss ahead of Euro 2021 play-offs

Luton striker James Collins is hoping to finish the season in a rich vein of form to not only ensure the Hatters remain in the Championship, but also keep his place in the Republic of Ireland squad under new manager Stephen Kenny for their Euro 2021 play-off semi-finals.

It was announced yesterday that the games, originally due to take place in March before the coronavirus pandemic struck, will now be played on October 8.

The Republic travel to Slovakia for their contest and will meet either Northern Ireland or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final.

Collins played a part in the qualifying campaign, with three appearances, while also bagged a first goal for his country during their 3-1 friendly win over Bulgaria in September.

Should the Republic get through, they would join Spain, Poland and Sweden in a section played in Dublin and Bilbao, with the competition delayed by a year, now held between June 11 and July 11, 2021, as Collins said: "I’ve started to think about it a bit more now that I know the season is starting again.

"I spoke to the new Ireland manager over the break and he had a Zoom meeting with all of the squad, so it was nice to touch base with him.

"He explained the schedule, leading up to Christmas, so I have had a think about it.

"But if I’m not playing well for Luton Town and if I’m not playing in the Championship then, obviously, I’m not going to get picked.

"I need to make sure my club form is good and, hopefully, the rest will take care of itself."

Kenny, 48, was appointed manager in early April, moving up from his role as U21 boss to replace Mick McCarthy, despite his contract due to run until July 31.

All of Collins appearances came under McCarthy, so on proving himself to the new chief, he added: "I think he watched all the first team games, as he was the U21s manager, so he’ll know about the majority of the squad.

"It was nice to speak to him, he seemed a really nice guy and he’s going to have different ideas, like every manager.

"So it will be interesting to see what route he does go down."