BRAD Collins is hoping to take his place in Barnsley’s goal tomorrow and says: ‘I can’t wait to go to go to Cardiff and have 30,000 Welsh people shouting at me.’

The 24-year-old goalkeeper missed the atmosphere at games during the lockdown and is excited to play in front of a large crowd as the Reds begin their Championship campaign at Cardiff City tomorrow.

Away goalkeepers are traditionally targets for the home crowd, especially those sitting behind the net.

Collins told the Chronicle: “I have missed it. I am very much a player who enjoyed fans being there and taking a bit of grief.

“I don’t mind that at all.

“It was a very quiet season last year and I can’t wait to go to go to Cardiff and have 30,000 Welsh people shouting at me.”

He added: “We want the fans back, they give us the extra percentage we need. We can’t wait to have them back in the stadiums.”

Collins was part of the team that finished fifth last season under Valerien Ismael, before losing in the play-offs, and now will play under Markus Schopp who is intending to use a less direct style.

“The new gaffer has come in and done well. It’s important we don’t completely forget everything Valerien gave us because it worked very well. We want to keep that winning mentality because it was unbelievable.”

Collins is competing with Jack Walton to start the season as Barnsley’s number one, after he played the second half of last season.