91Èȱ¬

Wales defender James Collins will go to the 2016 European Championship this summer having feared eight years ago his playing career was over.

The 32-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury in January 2008 playing for West Ham United's reserves.

Collins says he was "virtually in tears" as he feared the worst during a scan on

"That's all that was in my head. I'm thinking this is never going to be the same again," he told Sport Wales.

The Newport-born player added: "I remember at my age looking at the fact that a cruciate knee injury - you used to see players not come back from it."

Collins made his Wales debut as a 20-year-old in a youthful team fielded by then-manager Mark Hughes for

The former Cardiff City player says injuries have restricted his international appearances, but is relishing what lies ahead in France in the summer.

"I think I made my debut when I was 20 maybe. I am 32 now and only to be on 46 caps is not enough, really," Collins said.

"I've pulled out of a lot of games through injury and I was out for two years from international football with my knee."

Collins says "persistent calf problems" have also limited his Wales career.

"Every time there was a Wales trip coming around I seemed to be out," he added. "I wasn't playing at my club and obviously I was missing the Wales games.

"So to be involved now still, at 32, and having touched this successful (Welsh) period and enjoying it more than I ever have, is great.

"A while ago, looking at my Welsh career I thought it would probably never happen and to be involved and hopefully going into it (Euro 2016) playing well in a tremendous Welsh team is very exciting."

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