Defender Collins will play for his new club Stoke on Saturday against Wolves and Mick McCarthy at the Britannia stadium.

The 29-year-old played under McCarthy when he coached the Republic of Ireland and a reunion was on the cards in the summer, only for Collins to opt for Stoke ahead of Wolves.

He said: "Wolves were interested in me, I understand, when I was leaving Sunderland. Mick was the manager at Sunderland who gave me my chance when he signed me from Chester in 2004.

"He's a top manager. He wants to work with the players on the training ground - much like Tony (Pulis). Mick is a top manager, a pleasure to work with. I hope he does well with Wolves - his side are capable of unsettling anyone with their energy and organisation.

"I enjoyed my time working with him - but I feel it was the right decision to come to Stoke. I already knew a few of the lads here, who were with me at Sunderland. It has been a good choice and I feel I have been playing okay. It will be nice to see Mick again. I'll have a chat beforehand with him - but I'm not sure whether we'll talk after the game!"

Stoke have earned 15 points from 10 matches this season, while Wolves have accrued nine points from the same number.