New Brentford defender Nathan Collins is relishing facing west London rivals Fulham in the Premier League Summer Series in Philadelphia, saying he will be giving it all for in front of passionate American fans.
“There’s no such thing as a friendly,” Collins told the club’s official website. “Particularly with this game being a derby, there’s always going to be an edge to it.
“It’ll be good for both teams to get a really intense game into the players.
“I don’t want to treat any fixture as a friendly; you need to play every game to your maximum capability. I’m going to get stuck in and play football in the way that I like to play.
“The fans are mad over here, they’re crazy – we’ve all seen that on TV – so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them.”
Collins signed for Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers this month and taking part in the Summer Series in the US is providing him with a good chance to integrate himself quickly in the team. Collins was one of several Brentford players who went to see Major League Baseball at the Washington Nationals ahead of the Fulham match.
The Bees at the Ball Park ⚾
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 22, 2023
Great to meet you, @ACAD_27 and a great win last night!#NATITUDE | @MLB pic.twitter.com/ADD76DTy9z
“It’s a nice situation for me as I’ve been able to get to know the lads straight away,” he said. “I’m getting comfortable with them all and I’ve settled in nicely."
A former team-mate is also helping the 22-year-old settle in as well.
"Ben Mee, who I played with at Burnley, is one of the best people in football – he’s a legend. He’s helped me a lot and was texting me before I arrived with advice on where to live. When I came in, he brought me along. He’s been class.”
After facing Fulham, Brentford than play Brighton & Hove Albion on 26 July in Atlanta before finishing the Summer Series against Aston Villa on 30 July in Washington.
