Luton striker Collins knows leaving Aston Villa was the right call as he gets set for 500th appearance at Chelsea

Striker James Collins insists that making his 500th career appearance this afternoon in the FA Cup against Chelsea proves he was right to forego chance of making it in the top flight with Aston Villa over a decade ago.

Then just starting out in the game, Collins, was part of a Villains squad managed by Martin O’Neill, where he soon caught the eye, a regular on the scoresheet for the club's academy and reserve teams.

Although he didn’t make a first team appearance under O’Neill, impressive loan spells at Darlington and Burton Albion, plus his attitude in training, soon led to the offer of a new deal.

However, as Collins revealed, his appetite had been whetted for first team football and wanting to test himself in the men’s game, he opted to drop down to League Two Shrewsbury pm a permanent basis.

There he really began to make a name for himself as a prolific lower league marksman and serial promotion winner, going on to achieve three, two at the Shrews and one with Northampton.

The forward also had stints with Hibernian and Crawley Town, before moving to Luton in June 2017, where he went on to add another two promotions to his own honours list, as Town reached the Championship.

Now 500 games later and with over 175 goals to his name, including 68 in 162 appearances at Kenilworth Road and an international player too, with six caps for the Republic of Ireland, looking back at his career, Collins believes his decision was vindicated, saying: “When I was at Villa, it was such a huge club and they were a top six side then, finishing in Europe with some big, big players, you had everything done for you.

"So when you get a chance to go out into men’s football and the big world, you come out of digs and you have to have your own place it’s what I wanted to do.

"I wanted to go out and play senior football, I thought I’d gone as far as I could in reserve football, I thought I’d done quite well and I got an opportunity from Graham Turner to sign for Shrewsbury.

“I had a meeting with Martin O’Neill and he was brilliant with me.

"He said there were people in front of me to get into the first team and was happy to have me around and offer me a new one year contract because I was a good lad as I worked so hard.

"But I wanted to go out and play and try to make a name for myself, he was fine with that and he agreed to let me go for free.

"Then I went to Shrewsbury at 19-20 and here I am 500 games later.

“It’s obviously fallen at a really good time, to get a big club in the FA Cup and to fall on your 500th appearance is really nice.

"Hopefully if I can get on the pitch it will make it a real special time in my career.

“To hopefully get to 500 games away at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup, I think it does make it all worthwhile.

"From taking that leap out of my comfort zone when I was 19-20, to go and play in League Two and start my career path, when you look back now it definitely makes everything worthwhile, yes.”

When asked to decide on the best and worst moments of his career so far, Collins continued: “I think the low point was probably my year in Scotland and getting relegated with Hibs (the striker netted just six goals in 40 games).

"Obviously things didn’t go too great for me up there, and we ended up getting relegated as well.

"My high point is definitely getting promoted to the Championship and winning the league with Luton, 100 per cent.

"I always wanted a crack at the Championship and to get promoted by winning the league and being top goalscorer, League One player of the year, with all the personal trophies to go along with it, I think it was a great season for me and the club.

"Obviously my international debut and goal as well, but I don’t know if that’s been counted in!”

Collins, whose favourite player when growing up was Alan Shearer when a youngster, feels that with the years spent honing his skills in the lower leagues and now the second tier, has led to a greater understanding of his craft.

He said: "Alan Shearer was my hero, I used to watch him, I loved him at Newcastle, and I used to love the way he played.

"I’m nowhere near as good as him, but I think my game resembles how he played.

"He was physical, he got hold of it and he scored all types of goals.

“I wouldn't say my game has changed too much, but what I would say I have got more now is more of a knowledge and an understanding of the game and playing to my strengths.

"Even when i was younger I was never the quickest, but I always used my body and positional sense to my advantage, so I was always trying to be a couple of yards ahead in my head.

"I've always liked to score goals and been fortunate enough in my career that I’ve been able to do that everywhere I’ve been and I think that comes down to some of the great players I’ve played with over the 12 years as well.

"But I definitely think I’ve got more of a knowledge and an understanding of the game now with the experience.”

And does Collins still harbour a dream of making it back to the top flight and playing in the Premier League one day?

The forward added: “Yes, I do, I think every footballer when they grow up wants to play in the Premier League, at the highest level, and I’ve always said I wanted to play at the highest level.

"I’ve managed to get myself to the Championship and international level now, so the next step for me is to keep working hard and get to the Premier League.

"I’ve only just turned 30 so I think I’ve still got plenty more to give, and hopefully one day that can happen.”