ANYONE who thinks footballers do not really care about their roles should take a look at Scunthorpe United midfield man Michael Collins.

He knows his first season at Glanford Park was a disappointing one after his move from Huddersfield last summer.

But he is desperate to put that right this season after plenty of soul-searching during the close season.

"I want to prove a successful signing for this club," the 25-year-old declared.

"Hand on heart, I will be the first to admit that there were times last season I was not quite at it, for a number of reasons.

"It was taking me an hour-and-a-half to travel and I was finding that tiring.

"But I have sat down this summer to try to put that right by moving closer to the club.

"I have also spent a lot of time in the gym in June rather than going on holiday, to try to give myself a kick-start to this season.

"I can honestly say I feel a hell of a lot fitter now than I did this time last year.

"Last season showed me I was off the pace at times and that is why I did not show what I am capable of.

"I have played most of my career in League One and, no disrespect to it because it is a tough division to play in, but there are times at this level where you can get away with it if you are not on the top of your game.

"But not at Championship level. There, you are often up against international players and they will exploit any weakness they see in you.

"That is something I have learned from and seen what is required to be a success in the Championship.

"And that is what I am prepared to do. If at the end of my career I turn round and have not quite had success with regard to the level I want to play at, it will be because I was not quite good enough rather than any lack of effort."

Collins started only 19 Championship games for the Iron last term – and for a number of those games was asked to play a wide role in midfield that he did not enjoy.

This year he is hoping to be much more central in new manager Alan Knill's plans.

"It was frustrating to be played out wide last season," said Collins.

"Hand on heart, I am not a winger, that is not my game, but I did put a shift in there.

"The gaffer has said he will play me in the middle this season – but he has also said that first I have got to fight for a place in the team."

So far, Collins likes what he has seen of Knill's plans for the new campaign.

"He wants to get the ball down and play, and he gives you licence to express yourself," said the midfielder. "He does not want just to stick to rigid 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, which is good for me – it should suit my style of play."