Aston Villa defender James Collins targets World Cup

Aston Villa defender James Collins today revealed his burning desire to help Wales qualify for the 2014 World Cup as the Euro 2012 party gets into full swing.

Collins' Villa team-mates Richard Dunne and Shay Given are both preparing for Ireland's game against holders Spain in Gdansk on Thursday.

And the Wales international expressed a determination to be part of the next major tournament in Brazil rather than simply following the fortunes of a his pals.

The centre-back said: "Obviously, when Gary Speed took over that was his big thing – that Brazil is the one we were going to really go for and that is what we were building towards.

"There is no change in that objective and that is still the same message despite missing the Euros – that tournament is the one we're going for.

"I guess, as one of the more experienced players, I will play a part in trying to guide through some of the younger lads although I'm only 28 – I'm not that old!

"We are lucky that we have some amazing young players there.

"Just training with them you can see how good they are going to be and they are producing in games which is great.

"It's an exciting time."

* Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that Dunne sat out their training session yesterday with "blisters and tiredness" but should be fit to face Spain.