DANNY COLLINS has been rewarded for his impressive performances at the heart of Sunderland's defence by being handed his first international call-up.

The 24-year-old was included in John Toshack's first Wales' squad to face Hungary at the Millennium Stadium on February 9. He is joined by team mate Carl Robinson, but not by John Oster, who recently returned to the Stadium of Light from a loan spell at Leeds United following a breech of club discipline.

Collins' inclusion in John Toshack's first Wales' squad is all the more remarkable as he was playing non-league football in the Nationwide Conference for Chester City only eight months ago and has only eight starts under his belt for Sunderland.

Collins modestly believes his inclusion in Toshack's first get together owes much his former Chester boss, Ian Rush. But given his two impressive Championship performances against Sheffield United and Derby, it is more than likely he is in the Welsh 20 on merit.

"When I was at Chester I talked to Ian Rush and his assistant Mark Aizlewood about the possibility of playing for Wales," said the English-born defender, who qualifies to play against the Magyars through his Welsh father.

"Maybe he has spoken to a few people at the Welsh FA, I don't know.

"I'm just delighted to be in the squad. I talked to Carl Robinson last week and he said I had a chance of being in it because he'd spoken to John Toshack."

Before Collins takes his bow on the international stage, however, there is the little matter of the Wearsiders' trip to Merseyside to face Everton in the FA Cup fourth round. And with Steve Caldwell and skipper Gary Breen set for a return to the first-team squad following injury, Collins believes he could miss out at Goodison Park this weekend.

He said: "Hopefully I can keep playing for Sunderland until the game against Hungary. I'm looking forward to it but it's on the back-burner for a bit.

"I've enjoyed the last couple of games, and my partnership with Neill Collins has worked well. I've played at centre-back in the last two games and that's my position.

"I'd love to play against Everton in the FA Cup on Saturday but I don't know what's going to happen. If Gary Breen and Steve Caldwell are fit the manager will have to make a decision."

Collins says he is delighted to be involved in the latest Welsh squad and believes his international call up probably would not have materialised had he not moved to Sunderland in October.

"There's no doubt my move here has had a lot to do with it," he acknowledged. "When you are at a club like this you obviously have a better chance of being noticed.

"I've been in the team in the last couple of weeks and we've had a couple of clean sheets and things have been great for me since I moved to Sunderland.

"I'm just happy to be in the squad. If I get a game it's a bonus. My dad for one will be proud if I pull on the jersey."

Meanwhile, Marcus Stewart believes diversity is the secret of his success with strike partner Stephen Elliott this season.

The 32-year-old forward, who was outstanding in Sunderland's victory against Sheffield United last weekend, linked up with his young team-mate to score what turned out to be the winner at the Stadium of Light. Only the crossbar and some great goalkeeping by Paddy Kenny prevented a much larger scoreline.

Stewart says despite the difference in age and playing style they both complement each other perfectly, and added he hopes Elliott can learn from his experience.

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