Collins drawn to County's ambition

The 19-year-old right-back has impressed Exiles boss Peter Nicholas since joining from Swindon Town on a month-long loan deal. Now, after agreeing a settlement figure with the Division Two outfit, Collins is ready to commit his future to County.

The Merthyr-born player - who has represented Wales at youth level - has initially signed for another month and will then sign for the rest of the season.

"I am very impressed by the ambition of Newport County," said Collins. "As soon as you walk into the club you can feel the desire to succeed.

"In Peter Nicholas and Glyn Jones (Nicholas' assistant), County have two top-quality coaches who pass on all their experience and knowledge to all the players, which helps us learn.

"And with their involvement in the Wales under-17 set-up, they themselves are picking up tips from the top coaches in world football."

He added: "County's set-up is like that of a professional club in a semi-pro league - but that's the ambition of the club, you know they want to progress and play Conference football.

"And their ambition matches my own personal goals. Swindon are an established league club but they don't seem as ambitious as Newport."

Collins agreed to a settlement fee with Swindon after long discussions with County Ground chief Andy King - and now he's ready to start a new chapter in his short career at Newport Stadium.

"I spoke to Andy King about the possibility of first-team football at Swindon and he said my chances were slim," admitted Collins. "I was loving my time at Newport so we both agreed I could leave the County Ground. Now I'm looking forward to achieving great things with Newport County.

Collins, who has played five games for Newport, is Nicholas' second signing after 19-year-old midfielder Ryan Ashington, who joined from Third Division Torquay United, and it underlines the Newport manager's partiality for young footballers with potential.