Striker Believes Home Form Will Be Crucial
- Collins wants Town at it from the first whistle on Saturday
- Striker insists home form will boost promotion hopes
- He's looking to add to his 14 goals already this season
“It's great to hear the defenders saying we defend well from the front but that is drilled into us by Micky (Mellon) and Jacko (Michael Jackson) who drill into us where we have to be."
But the forward also admitted that, as well as scoring goals, it would be essential that Shrewsbury maintain their fantastic defensive record and continue to add to their 15 clean sheets already recorded this season.
“Tyrone (Barnett) has come in and done really well, he looks sharp and he is a big strong boy so hopefully he can fit in and get off to a flying start," said Collins.
“There is six of us now when Andy (Mangan) comes back so it keeps us all on our toes and makes sure everybody plays at the top of their game.
“Up to now, personally I have done okay and the team is winning which always helps and I have a good amount of goals so far so things are good."
Collins, who has scored three goals in Town's last two home games, thinks the addition of Tyrone Barnett on deadline day will only increase his and his fellow strikers motivation to make an impact.
"This week we have to be at it from the go" said Collins.
"We cannot allow them to score first, we have to get on top of them and get the win.
"When we played them down at their place they were very physical and worked really hard but I think after we went a goal down we played some good stuff it didn’t quite break for us.
“But I hope we can keep our home record going and if we do we will have as a good chance as anybody of getting promoted."
And Collins, who has already scored 14 goals this season, believes Shrews must not fall behind against a side that boasts the best away record in the division.
Town welcome fifth-placed Southend United to Greenhous Meadow on Saturday (3pm kick-off) as they look to move further ahead at the top of the table.
Striker James Collins believes Shrewsbury Town must continue to maintain their impressive home record if they are to gain promotion back to Sky Bet League One at the first time of asking.