Both James Collins and Matthew Upson have made their international squads and are expected to play some part in the friendlies this weekend. A Welsh FA spokesman said of Collins "It is not ideal that James will not have played any football ahead of the internationals, but he seems confident he will be OK." So, with these guys back, will James Tomkins find himself back on the bench for the game against Sunderland?
On the face of it, it would seem a little harsh. Tomkins has been excellent since he came in for Collins against Bolton and has handled some very tough centre-forwards very well. In fact, we have conceded less than a goal a game in his recent run of matches. However, there is something about the air of confidence that COllins and Upson bring us, alongside their experience which you just feel is core to our stability. Tomkins is more prone to mistakes and it is quite right that he should be. He is young and still earning the game whereas the other two have somewhat older and wiser heads.
There will be more injuries to come and if we do gain a European place next season, it will definitely become more of a squad game. Tomkins time will certainly come and at some point in the future, he will be the first on the teamsheet. But for now, as we hit the choppy waters of the final stretch of the season, it may be some more experienced hands on deck to see us through.
