Danny Collins’ international career over?

Posted on 4th September 2007

Sunderland defender Danny Collins’ international career could be over following his withdrawal from the Wales squad for this week’s Euro 2008 qualifying double-header against Germany and Slovakia. Collins phoned Wales boss John Toshack on Sunday to inform him that he has an ankle injury and would not be joining up with the international squad. Toshack is not convinced about the injury claims and suggests that Collins pulled out because he felt he would not start either of the two games.

“I don’t see the point. I spoke to Danny Collins on Sunday and he said he had a bit of an ankle knock and he would prefer not to join up with us and get himself right for what he considers the most important thing at the moment – and that’s getting a place at Sunderland,” said Toshack. “It’s not the first time it’s happened and I don’t know if I will select him again. We are on a plan here to build up a new group of players and I’m sure he will understand we just can’t have people popping in and popping out when it suits them. If somebody is picked to play for their country, particularly against Germany at the Millennium Stadium, even if I sat on the bench, I would think I might learn something watching the Germans play.”

Meanwhile Sunderland player Roy O’Donovan’s loan move to Dundee United has been blocked. United manager Craig Levein is far from happy after seeing the deal blocked by the Scottish FA. Levein made a bid to sign striker O’Donovan on a temporary basis late on Friday - the last day of the August transfer window. The deal was agreed with Sunderland and terms agreed with the player, but the SFA refused to allow the move to go through, citing a FIFA regulation that stops a player playing for more than two clubs in one season.

Levein said: “I would have taken Roy in a minute. We thought the loan deal was done, then it became clear this regulation would come into play. He was at Cork before joining Sunderland and we thought, with the Irish season being different to ours, that it would be OK but it’s not to be.”

Earlier Sunderland news

We can survive in the top flight - Higginbotham
Sir Alex backs Keane to be top class
Keane not expecting the red carpet treatment
Higginbotham closing in on Cats move
Blackwell relishes result over Black Cats
Sunderland to make few changes
Sunderland target happy to stay put
Edwards claiming deflected goal
Keane delighted with window business
Keane surprised but give credit to Palace
Simpson wants to be involved at Palace
Caldwell ready for move to Burnley
Darren Ward gets new Sunderland deal
Edwards worries about Sunderland’s defense
Keane continues to keep plans on hold