htafc.com talked to Michael Collins ahead of this weekend's big derby game against Leeds United and he told us that he can't wait to get out on the pitch.

The 22-year old midfielder admitted that he has been eagerly anticipating Saturday's 12.15pm kick-off for quite a while now and explained that he is looking for all three points at Elland Road.

"As soon as the fixture list is announced, the Leeds games are the first that everyone looks for," Collins explained. "I know a lot of people - both friends and family - who have ties to one of the two clubs and I think it's massively important for everyone.

"It probably means that little bit more for the lads who have come through the Academy like me. We've been rivals with Leeds since a very young age and playing against them at first-team level was one of the ultimate aims. I hope it will be a great game.

"Losing 4-0 at Elland Road last season was probably my lowest point in football, because it always carries that little bit more significance playing Leeds. Despite that result, I don't think we'll be going there with revenge in our minds as it's a totally different scenario this time around. It's a new season and both teams are looking to accumulate as many points as they can because we share the mutual aim of promotion.

"There will be a renewed optimism surrounding the game because we're getting another go at it. We'll be going into the game full of confidence and if we can take the way we played against Port Vale for the first 80 minutes into the match, we'll give them a really good game."

The last two weeks have seen quite a turnaround for the Republic of Ireland under-21 international; he has gone from playing reserve team football under Stan Ternent to turning in a Man of the Match performance - including a goal - against Port Vale last weekend.

"I was always hopeful that I'd get back into the team eventually," he continued. "Obviously the previous manager went about the business in his manner and he didn't pick me. That was his decision and although I respected it, I wasn't happy with it; however, that is part and parcel of football. If you had told me that I would be in this position a couple of weeks ago I would have been happy from a personal point of view. As people always say, football changes from week to week and when your chance comes you have to make sure you take it."

The Halifax-born Academy graduate will face one of his toughest tests on Saturday - coming up against the highly-rated Leeds United midfield of Fabian Delph, Jonathan Douglas and Neil Kilkenny.

"I share the same agent as Fabian Delph and I've been giving him stick all week! He's getting a lot of media attention at the minute and having watched him on TV against Northampton last week, he looks like he's going to be special. I'm always looking to test myself against the best players and if Leeds are one of the best sides that League One have to offer at the moment, then I can't wait to play them. I'll back myself against anyone."

As much as the Town players will want to earn the bragging rights over their West Yorkshire rivals on Saturday, Collins stressed that the squad must try and use the game as a springboard to propel themselves up the League One ladder.

"That is something that Gerry Murphy has stressed to us all week. Playing Leeds is a massive game, but instead of looking at it as a derby game we have to try and view it as a game from which we can start our own run of results. Three points would be vital to us and although a draw at Leeds would be a good result there, we'll be looking for the win.

"I know how much this game means to everyone and I'll be looking to win at all costs as it means a lot to me as well, being a Town lad through and through. Hopefully we'll do the business."

Get your Leeds ticket - call the Galpharm Ticket Office now on 0870 44 44 552!