Wales manager Chris Coleman has heaped praise on James Collins following the defender's return to the national team.

The centre-back was recalled to the side for Friday's 1-0 win over Macedonia in World Cup qualifying after previously falling out with Coleman.

"He was brilliant," BBC Sport quotes Coleman as saying. "I could sense it before the game that he would stand strong.

"He had a young back four around him and his organisation was superb. He was an absolute rock."

Wales, who have no chance of reaching the 2014 World Cup, play their final qualifier on Tuesday when they travel to Group A leaders Belgium.

Written by
Jack Prescott