JAMES Collins admits he is relishing the prospect of lining up alongside Ashley Williams for Wales in Montenegro on Friday.

The Aston Villa defender is included in John Toshack's squad for the Euro 2012 qualification opener after recovering from calf trouble.

With West Ham's Danny Gabbidon again missing because of long-standing groin problems, Collins could feature in a central defensive trio with Williams and Craig Morgan of Preston.

And he is looking forward to the possibility of renewing his relationship with the Swansea City man, who was the subject of a failed deadline-day bid from Leicester.

"Ever since Ash came in (to the Wales side) he has been spot on, every game he's been superb," said the ex-Cardiff City defender.

"Ashley's a great player. I don't think he's ever let anyone down when he's played for Wales. He's been good every game and I certainly enjoy playing alongside him.

Great

"I've known Craig a long time — I was in the under-21s with Craig and he's a great player.

"He's got a move up to Preston now and I think he's doing really well up there. Those players have done really well and hopefully they can continue."

Collins and Gabbidon have been regularly missing for Wales over recent seasons.

Gabbidon has not played international football since last November's friendly win over Scotland, while Collins has missed the last two internationals, against Croatia and Luxembourg.

Williams, in particular, has impressed in their absence, and Toshack this week warned the Premier League pair that they are no longer automatic first-choice selections.

"I'd have no qualms sticking with Craig Morgan and Ashley Williams," he said.

Proven

"James and Danny are proven Premier League players and clearly the squad is a lot stronger if they are with us and are 100 per cent fit.

"They've had a lot of problems but they are two very talented players.

"But, as we have not had either on a regular basis, we have had to live without them and Ashley and Craig have both really shone over the last 12 to 18 months."

Collins had been struggling with injury since returning to Villa for pre-season.

But he made his comeback in his club's Europa League defeat by Rapid Vienna last Thursday and completed another 90 minutes in Sunday's Premier League victory over Everton.

"I've played two games now and I'm raring to go," said the 27-year-old.

"Every game is a must-win — you want to be winning football games. We went to Montenegro a year ago and they gave us a hell of a game over there, so we've got to be sharp and take the confidence from the last game when we beat Luxembourg.

"Nearly all the lads have got around 20 caps now, they're all playing first-team football, so this is a big qualifying campaign for us."