NEILL Collins' swift development continues tonight when he turns out for his country.

The central defender, on loan at Hartlepool from Sunderland, has been named in Rainer Bonhof's squad for Scotland's under-21 friendly in Austria.

Collins made an impressive debut for Pool in the weekend win at Doncaster, just 24 hours after moving down the A19 on a half-season loan from Wearside.

Mick McCarthy has expressed his bewilderment that the Irvine-born defender hadn't previously been called into the full squad, but tonight he should earn his third cap at under-21 level.

McCarthy has allowed him to move to Victoria Park for regular first-team football, hoping he returns to the Stadium of Light in the new year a better player for the experience.

Collins said: "There's nothing better than the feeling of playing and winning games on a Saturday and that's why I've come to Hartlepool to play first-team football.

"No-one wants to be sitting in the stands watching games on a Saturday afternoon, so now it's up to me to stay in the team and enjoy my time here.

"I'm sure Sunderland will be watching me while I am here to see how I am doing, but you are always being watched when you are playing and I want to impress.

"I want to show everyone I can play football at this level because it will be good for my career.''

After moving from part-time football with Dumbarton last August, Collins made 14 appearances in a red and white shirt.

The successful Championship campaign gave him a taste for more and he admitted: "I moved to Sunderland last season from Dunfermline and played 14 games overall, which was a great experience for me.

"Winning the league and being promoted to the Premiership was something special and it was a great experience for everyone, not just the youngsters, but the more experienced professionals as well.

"Sunderland are a Premiership club now. I've come to Hartlepool to learn my game, hopefully improve and return a better player.''

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