Aaron Collins on Bolton Wanderers move from Bristol Rovers

Collins certainly knows where the net is, having scored 16 goals for Bristol Rovers last season, but he also takes great pride in creating chances for his team-mates.

That trait has been reflected in his performance since the start of the campaign, sitting second for League One assists behind only Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Derby.

“I have seen Dion doing very well, I know a couple of the other strikers as well,” he said. “It is a good team and I am looking forward to working with them.

“This season, the assists have been topping up so I am here to contribute - whether that is goals or assists.

“If that is pushing Dion on to win the Golden Boot or helping the other lads score more goals, happy days. I am here to get the goal contributions, put the team in the right stead and win matches.”

Collins leaves Bristol Rovers with plenty of good memories, winning promotion from League Two in 2022 and being named the best player in the third tier last term.

The 26-year-old is relishing the challenge ahead as he aims to help Wanderers in their promotion push.

“I am buzzing to be here,” he smiled. “I have been looking forward to getting it done for a couple of days now and finally it is over the line.

“I am just looking forward to Saturday and getting in front of the fans, and meeting the lads. I have obviously played against the club a lot of times, I know the way the gaffer wants to play.

“I met with him yesterday and am looking forward to working with him. Last season, I had a good season personally and am hoping to bring that form into helping the lads get promoted this season.

“The boys are flying at the moment and it would be really good to come in and help the lads.

“There is a great spirit around the club from staff and players, and I can’t wait to get involved with a smile on my face. The boys are enjoying their football and it will be great to be involved.”

Collins spent two-and-a-half-years at Bristol Rovers (Image: PA)

The history and stature of the club was undoubtedly a selling point for Collins, but he is equally excited about where they are heading.

“It is a massive club and I am looking forward to working with better players and staff who have proven they can get promoted out of this league,” he said.

“This club deserves to be in the Championship and push on from that. I am hoping this season we can get the job done.

“There are three-and-a-half years of me being here now and it starts right now, but we have still got time. This club deserves to be in a higher league than what it is.”

The forward continued: “Over the last two or three years, I have improved slowly. I did really well last season and got promoted the season before.

“I am really looking forward to now, hopefully hitting my prime years, going and getting more goals and assists and contributing in any way I can to help this team get promoted.”

There is already a familiar face in the dressing room. Collins played alongside Josh Sheehan during his Newport days.

Sheehan has made his international debut for Wales since joining Wanderers, and that is something the new signing would love to achieve.

Collins believes it will come at the right time as long as he focuses on performing to his best at club level.

“I am aiming to go and play for Wales at some point in my career but that will come when it is ready,” he added. “Over the last three or four years, I have been settled and playing my best football.

“I am coming into my prime years now and hopefully I can kick on with even more goals and assists and push myself to the Championship with this massive club.”

Collins could pull on the White shirt for the first time when Barnsley head to the Toughsheet Community Stadium this weekend.

“I know the fans are going to come out in numbers, they will be backing us all the way,” he beamed.

“I watched Bolton when they were in the Premier League and it is a massive club. I am looking forward to hearing the noise from the fans and they will help us massively.”