NEILL COLLINS believes his move from Scottish minnows Dumbarton to Championship promotion hopefuls Sunderland will help him realise his international ambitions.

Berti Vogts' side face Norway in a World Cup qualifier tomorrow in the sort of occasion Collins can only dream of.

But the Troon-born defender insists his transfer to the Stadium of Light can only strengthen his chances of receiving a call from Vogts - possibly even before he has played for the Under-21s.

"Everyone wants to be playing international football and in coming to Sunderland I've given myself the best opportunity," said the 20-year-old.

"If I'm playing regularly and well for my club then it will be difficult for the Scottish FA to overlook me. It would be great if Steve (Caldwell) and I could play together for our country as well as our club.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping to be involved with the Under 21s this week. I did have a look to see if my name had been included in the squad but it's a tough set-up to break into.

"There's a Scottish lad who has scored the most goals in British football this season (Daryl Duffy, 15 goals) and even he hasn't forced his way into the Under 21s. I just need to work harder and hope I can get in the next time."

But Collins, who made only his second league start for the Black Cats against Derby, hopes having Caldwell and Kevin Kyle with him on Wearside will help his cause.

Kyle is currently out of action with a hip injury but is admired by Vogts and is sure to be watched by the German coach when the striker returns to action again.

And Collins said: "Sunderland is the perfect place to showcase my international talents. When the manager of Scotland sees that you're playing for a club of this calibre it must turn heads and he knows you must be doing something right.

"I know that's how Steve and Kevin feel too. They're not playing in the lower leagues or in Scottish football - they're making their name at one of the leading clubs in England.

"I can see the Scotland squad getting stronger and stronger in the next few years and who knows - I might make my senior debut before I get an Under 21 call-up! It's something I desperately want."

* Sunderland have confirmed Leeds United striker Simon Johnson will remain with the Black Cats on loan for a further month.

* Jeff Whitley is winning his fight to overcome his hamstring injury and be fit for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan tomorrow. Manager Lawrie Sanchez said: ''Jeff is fine. There are no problems with his fitness.''

* Sunderland have announced plans to pioneer a new ticket redemption scheme that will allow season ticket holders to trade in up to two unused vouchers if a game is switched because of live television, cup competitions or adverse weather conditions.

From January 3 onwards, any season ticket holder unable to attend a rearranged game will be able to swap their unused voucher for a complimentary ticket for one of two selected games - the visit of Plymouth on March 15 or the home game with Reading on April 9.

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