FROM being arguably the first name on the Oxford United teamsheet in the opening weeks of the season, Michael Collins found himself warming the bench for most of last month.

The change of fortunes would be enough for some players to lose their cool.

But the Yorkshireman resisted the urge to head into Michael Appleton’s office for one simple reason – it would not do any good.

“I’m yet to knock on a manager's door and whinge and moan and then get put straight in the team,” he said.

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“I don’t thing that’s how it works.

“Yeah you’re frustrated and disappointed, but you’ve got to be professional.

“There have been times this season when lads on the sidelines have been showing me their support, so when the time is right you’ve got to do the same in return and just wait for that opportunity.”

Collins did not lose his place in the side due to poor form.

He was given a rest for the FA Cup first round tie at Grimsby Town last month and with those handed an opportunity making the most of it in the 3-1 victory, they kept the shirt.

Collins’s patience paid off last Saturday, when he returned to the starting line-up after a five-week absence in the 2-2 draw with Tranmere.

He said: “Sometimes that happens, the gaffer changed the team for the Grimsby game.

“They picked up a solid performance and he’s kept the same team.”

He added: “I always knew there was going to be a bit of rust at times (against Tranmere) because it’s been a month since I stepped on the pitch.

“If I’m in the side on Saturday I believe I can have a real influence.”

The silver lining of the early winter break is United should reap the benefit of a player whose batteries have been recharged.

It will be particularly important now, with tomorrow’s clash with Bury the first of five fixtures in 16 days.

While Collins did not want a rest from competitive football, he has felt the benefits.

He said: “I wouldn’t say I’ve almost recaptured a sharpness, but it’s natural when you play a lot of games you start to feel a bit heavy-legged.

“To have that little break I’m hoping it does me more good than bad.

“I’ve felt in the last two weeks that every day in training I’ve been really chomping at the bit.

“But I do feel fresh and I hope that coming into the Christmas period I’m ready to give my all.

“I hope I stay back in there now.”

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