DANNY COLLINS expects a competitive clash when Sunderland visit Nottingham Forest tonight.
Forest kick-off their Championship campaign on Sunday week at home to Reading while Sunderland have to wait another six days to begin their season at home to Liverpool on August 16.
After getting a few pre-season games under their belts, both club
s will now look to build form for the real business of gaining league points.
Collins, SAFC Supporters' Association's player of the year last season, said: "I think it'll be a decent game.
"Both of us are getting closer to our seasons and our fitness is coming on.
"I know that pre-season games are mainly about getting fit, but we're all competitive lads and enjoy winning any game – whether it's in training or on a Saturday.
"Forest will want to take a bit of form into the season, as we do. We all want to kick on."
This will be Sunderland's fourth pre-season encounter while it's the penultimate test for Forest, who visit city rivals Notts County on Saturday before taking on the relegated Royals.
Collins was a fixture at left-back for Sunderland last season but has played at centre-back in his three pre-season games so far – getting 90 minutes against both Sporting Lisbon and Cobh.
"I was pleased to play so many games last season and the more I played at left-back the more I improved I think," said the former Chester City defender.
"If you asked me my preference, I'd say it's centre-half, but I'm not reading too much into the fact I've player in the middle so far in pre-season.
"All I'm fussed about is getting into the team against Liverpool and I'm not bothered where I play."
The full article contains 299 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
