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James Collins made his debut for Ipswich Town on Saturday - and it’s fair to say he had the desired effect immediately.

Centre-back Collins, who came so close to joining former club Aston Villa before he suffered an injury in training, finally sorted himself out with a club after agreeing a deal with the Tractor Boys until the end of the season.

Villa, of course, have since turned to Wolves defender Kortney Hause and previously loaned out centre-half Tommy Elphick as cover for their own back-line after offering Collins a deal following a trial period.

Collins made his bow on Saturday as Town toppled Rotherham United 1-0 at Portman Road - a significant result for the division’s bottom side as they look to put together their own version of the great escape.

Paul Lambert, his manager, was pleased with his contribution, while the local press and the fanbase had equally positive things to say about Collins.

Watch: Alex Dicken on the man Villa turned to after Collins deal fell through

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WHAT PAUL LAMBERT SAID

“I thought James Collins, and all of the new lads, were excellent,” Lambert told the Ipswich Star.

“It’s a massive compliment to him for wanting to be here. He’s been training with West Ham a little bit, but to come and do what he did today was unbelievable.

“All of the new lads did well given they’ve not played for a long time. That was a million per cent a factor in the second half, I knew that would be the case, but we had to get players in to help.

“They are not match fit, they’ve not played a lot of football, but they will get fitter and up to match speed.

“They’ve given everybody a lift. You could hear it in the atmosphere. I would love to hear what it’s like if we were sitting at the top end of the table. Nobody would be able to buy a ticket for this place.”

WHAT COLLINS SAID

Collins himself was particularly pleased with just getting minutes under his belt after a spell on the side-lines.

The Welshman took to Instagram to share his delight of making his Town debut - and the victory and clean sheet to go with it.

“What a feeling being back on the pitch,” he said. “Absolutely loved every minute of it - three points and a clean sheet.

“Well done lads, roll on next Saturday.”

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WHAT THE LOCAL PRESS SAID

The Ipswich Star were particularly impressed by the veteran’s debut. This is what they had to say...

"Collins was an absolute colossus.

"The 35-year-old Welshman was strong, composed and a real leader. His presence allowed [Luke] Chambers to focus on his own game. This is what Town have lacked at the back ever since Christophe Berra’s departure.

"Put in the performance you would expect from a 50-cap international. He was calm, rugged and took charge of situations with both feet and head as Town dealt with everything thrown at him. If Ipswich can keep him fit he will be a real asset."

WHAT THE TOWN FANS SAID

Oi, Mario, pipe down: He’s only played one game but let’s be honest, James Collins is our player of the season. #ITFC

Harry Butcher: James Collins > Sergio Ramos btw

Blue Soap: I thought Chambo was a hard nut (getting up after toppling into the South Stand) but Collins takes it to a new level! If we can keep Collins fit then he could make a real difference.

Ryan : Always been a fan of Collins. Wasn’t sure how he’d do when he signed but sounds he was excellent yday. Could be pivotal signing like Stearman in 2012/13

JayP : Acc so buzzing with the signing of James Collins, finally have premier league experience at the back which made a huge impact on the defensive part of our game today, uppa town

James : Probably my favourite photo from today #itfc I think I’m in love. Give Collins a 10 year contract, a testimonial, renaming of a stand... just everything!

Andrew Wilesmith : Sergio Ramos will say to his son one day - “Son, if you work hard and listen, one day you could become a great defender. Better than me and almost as good as James Collins! #GingerPele

Martin Southall: James Collins needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool and brought out only for match days. If he does not want to train, then fine. Give him a sun lounger and a paper. #ITFC

Rory Johnson: Don’t want to get carried away, but I’m pretty sure James Collins would head a ball all day even if it was made out of granite