JACK Collison is ready to ruin Cardiff City’s Premier League debut on Saturday after starring in the Welsh capital for Wales on Wednesday.
The West Ham midfielder played for 82 minutes in the 0-0 international friendly draw against the Republic of Ireland but now he’s aiming to break Welsh hearts once again.
The Bluebirds won 1-0 at Upton Park on the opening weekend of the Championship season in 2011/12 but Collison got revenge at the end of that season.
The 24-year-old scored two goals in the play-off semi-final in Cardiff in May 2012 as the Hammers were promoted to the Premier League and Cardiff were condemned to another season in the second tier.
But now Malky Mackay’s men have finally made it to the big time and they begin against West Ham and Collison in East London on Saturday afternoon.
“Cardiff will be looking to get off to a good start, just like we did last season,” said Watford-born Collison, who qualifies for Wales due to his Bedwellty grandfather.
“I still remember them winning at our place two years ago so that will be in the back of our minds.
“We want to get off to a good start, get three points on the board and show that Upton Park is a tough place to come to.
“They mugged us a bit but we got revenge at the end of the season in the play-offs.
“It’ll be a good game. There have been a lot of changes since then in both sides so it will be a good test.”
Collison believes that Cardiff should have enough to avoid a relegation battle this season.
“They’ve got a good manager and they’ll be tough to beat,” he said. “They’ve had a right go in the transfer market as well so I think they’ll be happy with mid-table.”
Collison also believes that the future is bright for Wales having drawn with the Irish without star men Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
“We’ve got our own way of playing and we’re working on that every game and trying to improve and get stronger,” he said.
“The boys did well. We were missing the two key players so with them to come back as well there are exciting times ahead.
“We’ve got four games coming up and we need to get some points on the board.”
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