Scotland midfielder John Collins gave a strong indication yesterday that his career with Monaco may be nearing its end and he could be ready to return to British football.
Collins hinted at the possibility of such a move as the Scotland World Cup squad flew out to the United States for their warm-up games against Colombia and the USA national side - both of whom will take part in the finals in France which begin next month.
However, it would appear doubtful that the midfield player would contemplate a return to Scotland - even though Wim Jansen indicated before his departure last week that he had wanted to bring him back to Celtic.
Said Collins: ''I did not hear of any interest from Celtic. I read about it - but, as far as I'm concerned, that's all I know.
''I don't know what will happen next season although my contract is up in another year and it could be that I shall move on.
''Right now, though, all I want to do is push all thoughts of transfers out of my mind and concentrate on Scotland and what lies ahead for us in France.''
Collins made his views on Scot- land's top league known before he left Celtic under freedom of contract two years ago.
Then, he blasted the boredom factor which arises from teams being asked to play each other four times with the possibility of additional cup games.
That would always preclude a Scottish comeback for the man whose influence in midfield will be crucial to Scotland's hopes in the tournament.
He believes he is a better player than when he left home - just as striker Mo Johnston made a dramatic improvement when he moved to Nantes, another French first division club.
Explained Collins: ''I think I am stronger physically and I also think my vision has improved because of the style of play you come up against week after week.
''Tactically, I am also more aware, because the game in France is more sophisticated.
''When you play there it is as if you are playing in a European tie every week. By that I mean players have to adapt to various demands. You have to be patient and work hard to break down the opposition. Away from home you often play in a far more defensive manner.
''It is not like it was with Celtic when you just went out to chase goals in every game.
''It is totally different and I believe the move has been good for me.
''Now, I am a better all-round player and a more thinking player than I was in Scotland.
''You have to work very hard at the game in France and at Monaco you have to do that just to keep your place in the team.
''At times there is a bench of substitutes full of international players from various countries and they could all come into the first team. That goes for every player in the 25-man squad. The competition for places is very strong.''
As to the World Cup itself, the player who has won 47 caps and is likely to join the Scottish Football Association's Hall of Fame when he goes in against world champions Brazil in the opening game of the tournament, insists Scotland's reputation has risen in his adopted country.
''There is no way I am suggesting the French are placing us among the favourites or anything such as that,'' he said, ''but, since we played them in St Etienne, I've noticed a difference in their attitude.
''There is a respect now which might not have been there before. Most of them thought we played well that night even though we lost.
''Also, there is a little bit of envy about us playing in the opening match of the tournament because that is every footballer's dream - to take part in such a major game.
''There is no sense in me saying it will just be like any other match because that won't be the case.
''It will be the same in every way as far as preparations are concerned. I don't think these will alter because Craig Brown has his way of doing things, and he will stick by that.
''However, when we walk out on to the field at the Stade de France, it will be different from any other game we have played.
''There will be 80,000 people watching us and there will be the biggest television audience ever for a football match.
''What we have to do is go out and give our best. We have to give our absolute maximum and we cannot afford to be over-awed by the Brazilians.
''We just don't want to let the country down because we know how much this match means to the whole of Scotland.''
Collins has been out of action for the past three-and-a-half weeks with a toe injury but he knows he will be ready for France and believes the games in the USA will be important for him to regain his competitive edge.
He pointed out: ''All I am lacking is match practice and the feel of the ball again.
''I haven't kicked a ball for more than three weeks and am desperate to get into training in the USA.
''I'd also like to play in the two matches just to get myself back to where I should be in terms of match fitness. These games are going to be ideal for that.''
Collins will, of course, carry an added burden going into the World Cup games.
In the absence of Gary McAllister, the midfield general's role will fall to him which is why the matches over the next two week-ends are so crucial.
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