Post-Match Verdict: Collins 'Really Proud' Of 200 Goal Milestone

Derby County striker James Collins was 'over the moon' to have netted his 200th goal in club football following the 2-0 victory over Carlisle United on Saturday.

Derby's number nine scored in both halves, taking his tally to four for the season, as the Rams sealed an important victory in Cumbria and it was also a double that saw him break the 200 milestone in his personal career in club football.

He got the ball rolling early on with a smart finish before scoring from the penalty spot in the closing stages.

Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Collins spoke of his pride at landing the achievement and discussed an important three points for the team.

On 200 goals in club football...

It feels amazing. It's a proud moment for myself and my family. It took a lot of games to get there but to get that number is fantastic. It's all about the lads today. We got a great result. We were disappointed to concede in the last minute to Portsmouth last weekend but we got a good result on Tuesday against Lincoln in the EFL Trophy and backed it up today.

On how long he's had his eye on it...

I've had my eye on it for a while, ever since I signed for Derby last summer. I wanted to hit it last year but I didn't quite manage it so at the start of this year I wanted to get it done as quick as possible. I'm not stopping there, I want to keep going and hopefully I can get many more.

On what his younger self would say to that milestone...

He'd say you're bonkers! I was never blessed with unreal talent as a kid but what I did, I worked hard and did my extra work and listened to people at the right time and always managed to be the one that sniffed out chances. I'm really proud of the achievement and it's what every footballer wants to do, score goals.

On the team's performance...

It was a bit scrappy at times and we rode our luck at times but I thought we defended really well. The back four and Joe Wildsmith have done really well and Korey Smith in front of them did a great job too. A clean sheet on the road is what you want though. It's always about digging in. The Carlisle crowd were right behind them and they put us under pressure and put it in our box but the back four and forward line got us over the line.

On the side's away performances...

We're getting players back fit now and it's really important that we're getting these back, especially away from home if we're to pick up points as they all have a part to play. We just need to get the home form back on track now.

On back-to-back wins in all competitions...

We were disappointed we didn't go further in the EFL Trophy last year. We were comfortable on Tuesday against Lincoln despite making a few changes. It's been a good week. Four points and a win in a cup in midweek - you take that all day.

On the group clicking...

It's always hard when you get players coming into the team and get injuries. The lads are great, the staff are brilliant with us. It's a nice group and we all want to achieve promotion together so hopefully we can.

On the supporters...

They are unreal. I'm delighted I managed to get a goal down the other end in front of them because they were great today. To get 15,00 of them here is fantastic. Their support does not go unnoticed.