91Èȱ¬

Striker James Collins says he wants "plenty more goals" in his effort to fire Derby back to the Championship.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international has already netted 15 times in all competitions in the first half of the season, surpassing his total tally from the 2022-23 campaign.

It also means the ex-Luton forward has scored 10 or more goals in 12 of the past 14 seasons.

"It's a good start," Collins told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Derby.

"On a personal note I'm really happy with the start of the season - 15 goals in all competitions at the start of January is more than I got last year.

"We are only halfway [through the season] and obviously I want plenty more.

"Hopefully I can continue that and help this club get promoted."

Collins scored twice in Derby's 3-2 defeat by Peterborough on New Year's Day - a loss which left the Rams fourth in the table - to take his League One tally to 10 for the season.

He already has more goals than former Derby striker David McGoldrick bagged by the same stage last season - a campaign in which he ended with 25 goals in all competitions.

With McGoldrick returning to boyhood club Notts County last summer, Collins has been increasingly relied upon to deliver goals, with injuries also limiting the impact of fellow strikers Martyn Waghorn, Conor Washington and Tyreece John-Jules.

"Obviously Didzy [McGoldrick] did a fantastic job here last year and I didn't get as much game time because he was doing so well, and rightly so," Collins said.

"This year a few of the strikers have picked up little injuries and stuff which has maybe given me more game time. And if I'm on the pitch I've always got a chance of scoring a goal, which I've done all my career.

"It always helps when the team is doing well. If the team is winning and you are playing then everyone is more confident and you get more chances. It's been so far so good for me, really."