Town have confirmed the signing of veteran Welsh international defender James Collins on a short-term deal through to the end of the season.

Collins, 35, goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s key clash with relegation rivals Rotherham at Portman Road along with other recent captures Will Keane, Callum Elder, Collin Quaner and Simon Dawkins.

Newport-born Collins began his career at Cardiff City, making 67 league appearances before moving on to West Ham, Aston Villa and then back to the Hammers, where he spent six seasons until his release last summer.

In September, TWTD revealed that free agent Collins, who was released by the Hammers last summer, was training with the Town squad.

The 6ft 2in tall centre-half was subsequently offered a contract by former boss Paul Hurst but after he suffered a hamstring injury the proposed move broke down and he rejoined Villa on trial.

The former Wales international, who has won 51 full caps and has scored three international goals, then signed a short-term deal with Villa but after picking up a calf injury ripped up his contract.

Town boss Paul Lambert, who hinted yesterday that Collins would start against the Millers, said: “James has a great presence about him and that can be huge for us. He has played at the highest level and his experience will be vital. We’re delighted to have him here.”

Collins, who has spent the bulk of his career in the Premier League, impressed boss Lambert in training this week and has been allocated squad number 39.

Photo: ITFC

roytheboy added 14:19 - Jan 11 Welcome James, wishing you a good time with Ipswich.
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Blueboy added 14:21 - Jan 11 Welcome to ITFC, hopefully you'll have an injury free 3 months to help shore up our leaky defence.
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Reuserscurtains added 14:22 - Jan 11 Good, solid signing this. Hopefully stays fit as he's the exact sort of player we needed in to sure up a shaky defence
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mike added 14:22 - Jan 11 Welcome James, now keep us up!
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martin587 added 14:23 - Jan 11 Magic.👍
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BlueandTruesince82 added 14:23 - Jan 11 God know we need it.... love Huth too, i know it wont happen but i can dream
2

NewEraNewMe added 14:25 - Jan 11 Mr Collins if you happen to keep us up...I will of never loved a ginger person more than yourself, don't tell the ex missus though, wouldn't want to bring up that fire again
6

Len_Brennan added 14:25 - Jan 11 A great signing for us if he has gotten over his recent injuries.
7

WebbyWebster added 14:25 - Jan 11 Finally a big presence for corners and set pieces! Should also help cut out errors
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StringerBell added 14:29 - Jan 11 Now can we drop Chambers?
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Marcus added 14:31 - Jan 11 Hopefully this Welshman will reduce the leeks in our defence.
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ForeverBlueSince1996 added 14:35 - Jan 11 Very happy with this! Welcome James
4

mickeyjb added 14:35 - Jan 11 Hopefully will be like Matt Elliot when we signed him.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 14:38 - Jan 11 We've got Collins, super James Collins
3

positivity added 14:41 - Jan 11 i hope he'll be like matt elliott, fear he's more likely to be like steven taylor (little playing time, but a valuable voice in the dressing room). either way, good luck and welcome aboard! think having an experienced positive voice in the dressing room is key, gav posted an interesting article earlier about hurst, lamenting jon walters loss off the pitch as much as on it.

3

FromIpswichToPhoenix added 14:42 - Jan 11 Welcome James!
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OCCOLD335 added 14:52 - Jan 11 Let's hope he has the same impact as Mogga did
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runaround added 14:53 - Jan 11 Welcome to Portman Road James
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norfolkbluey added 15:15 - Jan 11 Since I cannot remember when I have been saying we need some muscle in the side with brains and experience. AT LAST we have some now. This league is a tough arena for anyone let alone teenagers which are shown no respect. Perhaps we can now begin to build some long lost respect. Thank you Marcus for listening to Paul Lambert.
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Northstander_Blue added 15:16 - Jan 11 People will question injuries, I say the experience is HUGE for our shaky defence. Welcome, James Collins!
4

runningout added 15:28 - Jan 11 Hopefully Mr Collins, you won't be too busy.
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DebsyAngel added 15:33 - Jan 11 Welcome to the club James - hoping your experience will help strengthen our defence!
4

joe9087 added 15:40 - Jan 11 Excellent signing, loads of experience, a real presence, and useful to have around the dressing room. May be rusty to begin with but should add a sure head and can hopefully stop some of the soft goals we've conceded if he stays fit. Worst case scenario he doesn't work out, in which case it doesn't matter as it's a short term contract. Welcome!
4

Cr0wman added 15:50 - Jan 11 Will Lambert try 3 at back with wingbacks and two up front I wonder?
2

dirtydingusmagee added 16:08 - Jan 11 already got a shirt that fits him with his name on , we are on the move. Come on James sort em out ,hope you have a good time at Town .
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