I think this is exactly what's on Collins mind he's said as much but if he's as good as I hope/think he is he will be worth the wait. Not many fully fit international centre halfs about in January in our price bracket smart bit of business patience is a virtue.
We have Fleetwood away on Saturday, so a run out in the under 21s & then some game time there should indicate if he's ready? Got to play him at some point.
Shrewsbury have scored 22 league goals so far this season from 31 games. They’ve hardly been prolific so, while I get him needing to be match fit (ie u21s), this is as good a game as any to play him. If he’s what we hope he is, 1 league game before Derby isn’t enough. However, Neill Colkins sees him every day so I’ll trust his judgement on this
Whilst we're winning games of football I think Collins will resist changing things from the start, if we're 3 nil up tonight and comfortable (not trying to be all weds) then that's probably the right balance between game time, finding his feet and getting 3 points, it's not just about fitness
Why change a winning team ? He'll probably be way off the pace, if we're comfortable in any given game and the opportunity arises then I'm sure they'll bring him on to ease him in. Slowly slowly with patience makes much more sense rather than just rushing for the sake and he pulls a hamstring and is gone for the season does it not?