WELSH Under-21 international James Collins will be lucky if his mates buy him a pint tonight if the big Newport County and Cardiff City game goes according to his plan.

The Newport-born defender is set to start for the Bluebirds at Spytty Park tonight (6.55pm) - but there's no way he'll be easy on his hometown club.

"I can't wait to get out there and play in my home-town," said the 20-year-old from Queen's Hill.

"But I will be focused on a Cardiff win - nothing else. I won't be handing out any favours.

"Some of my mates are going down to watch the game. They'll be supporting County so I'll be expecting some stick - they'll be booing me no doubt.

"But that will give me more drive to win. However, we'll all have a pint in the bar afterwards," added the former Pill AFC player.

The 20-year-old has played at Newport Stadium before for the city's schoolboy team. Collins, who can also play up front, is likely to play centre-back alongside Andy Jordan.

City boss Lennie Lawrence has selected virtually a second team for the big game

"None of the players who were on duty against Mansfield Town will be figuring in the starting line-up but that doesn't mean any disrespect to Newport County," he said.

"We are taking this competition very seriously and want to make further progress. There is no way we want egg on our face by being turned over by Newport."

The Bluebirds will still surmount a considerable challenge to Peter Nicholas' side with Gavin Gordon, who cost £500,000 from Lincoln City, and Leo Fortune-West leading the attack.

Jason Bowen will play just behind the front two and he will be out to impress after losing his first-team to new signing Gareth Ainsworth.

Martyn Margetson will have a rare outing in goal and there will also be a debut for Lee Fowler, who'll be up against his big brother and County midfielder Mike.

Cardiff City (possible) : M Margetson, M Giles, J Collins, A Jordan, K Huggins, L Fowler, G Jones, D Hamilton, J Bowen, G Gordon, L Fortune-West