In-form James Collins is eager to add goals to his game when Manchester United arrive at the Boleyn Ground for a mammoth encounter this Sunday afternoon.
The West Ham United defender earned high praise for his display in the goalless draw against Arsenal last weekend with words like "outstanding" and "impressive" among those used by the press to describe his form at the back. Things are going well - three clean sheets in a row would testify to that - but the 25-year-old is not totally satisfied with his contribution.
"I look at centre-halves such as Nemanja Vidic at Manchester United who has about five goals this season," said Collins, who has not registered for the club since an April 2006 header against Chelsea. "I would like to have a few and be up there with people like that because it takes the pressure of some of the other lads in getting the goals.
"I haven't scored for a long while. I had a chance against Hull in midweek and another one against Arsenal. I would like to chip in with more goals if I can but, at the end of the day, my job is to stop them going in at the other end."
The Reds defensive duo of Vidic and former Hammers favourite Rio Ferdinand are arguably the Premier League's best defensive pairing but Collins and team-mate Matthew Upson are surely not far behind. It is all a far cry from just over 12 months ago for the Welsh international when Collins damaged knee ligaments and was ruled out for ten months.
"I injured my knee just over a year ago and since I have come back it has been unbelievable," he said. "I have come into what is a fantastic team, everyone is playing well and with confidence and we are going into games with belief about our performances and the team.
"Everyone is up for Manchester United and aiming to put in another strong performance and get something to keep the good run going. We are plying good football and going further into the second half of the season with great confidence and belief."