NEWPORT born James Collins has admitted that Wales now have it all to do in their quest for World Cup qualification.

Collins, 22, was making his competitive debut last night and had the misfortune to slip at a vital moment which gifted Northern Ireland their second goal, in a match that saw three red cards within the first 25 minutes.

With only two points from their opening two games Wales are now already behind England, Poland and Austria in Group Six and Collins admits that makes next months trip to Old Trafford a game Wales cannot afford to lose.

He told the Argus: "We have to go and start winning our away games. We'd normally target a point away, but now we have to target all three.

"We've got a massive game next month against England and if we can get anything from that it's all to play for.

"That would be a huge result because England are a world class side. But tonight's result just makes it much more important for us. If we get an away win we'll be flying again."

Collins was also honest enough to admit that his slip that led to David Healy's goal had cost Wales dearly.

He explained: "I was obviously disappointed with the nature of the second goal after slipping. "It's the first time I've worn studs in five years but it's just one of those things, you just have to get on with it.

"It was tough to be fair. It was my first competitive international start and I was a bit nervous.

"I spoke to Danny Gabbidon yesterday morning and then I got the call (to say I was playing) which came completely out of the blue because Robert Page and Andy Melville played well in Azerbaijan."

Collins ended last night's encounter playing almost as a lone defender with both full-backs sacrificed and Danny Gabbidon playing more like an out and out right winger.

The Cardiff City centre-back seemed to grow in confidence, but as the game became more stretched, he was left increasingly exposed as Northern Ireland hit Wales on the break.

But despite the unpredictable nature of the game, played for the most part with just 19 players on the pitch, Collins felt that the result was a fair one.

"It wasn't the best result obviously and we didn't give ourselves the best chance because of the start we had.

"But I think we did all right in the second half and I think overall we deserved a draw."