Collins confident as Sunderland seek third away win of the season at Bolton

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Collins, who nearly left the club in the early part of the campaign, was this week named player of the season by Black Cats fans.

Rising star: Danny Collins says Sunderland can win at Bolton

Sunderland's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough last Saturday confirmed their Barclays Premier League status for next term.

But, according to Collins, that will not stop them from trying to clinch only their third away win since last year's promotion when they travel to the Reebok Stadium.

Collins insists there is still plenty to play for this season - including the carrot of finishing above north-east neighbours Newcastle.

"As players, we won't be easing off - let alone what the gaffer thinks!" insisted left-back Collins, who is the top appearance-maker at Sunderland this season.

"We know Bolton are going to be up for it. They're fighting to stay in the Premier League so we know it's not going to be easy.

"We want to finish as high as we possibly can in the league. We've got six points to play for and to finish 12th or 13th would be a great achievement for us.

"It gives us something to build on next year."

Collins was in the Sunderland side who were relegated with record low points two seasons ago - making this season's achievement even more special for the Wales international.

The 27-year-old made 23 appearances for the team who crashed out of the division with 15 points in 2006.

Of the current squad, only Collins, Nyron Nosworthy, Dean Whitehead, Daryl Murphy and Grant Leadbitter survive from that terrible season for the Wearsiders.

"I've worked hard at my game to try to prove I can be a Premier League defender," said Collins.

"I thought I might not be involved at the start of the season but things have worked out for me.

"I've worked hard on the training pitch and I've been in the side pretty much the whole of the season, so to cap it off with the player of the season award is great. When it's voted for by the fans, it's special.

"But it's a team game, it's not an individual sport, and it could have gone to three or four of the lads. For me to get it is really nice."

Roy Keane has endorsed the fans' decision to name Collins player of the season, saying: "Danny epitomises the spirit here."