John Collins hoping to return to first team action

Former Scottish international John Collins is being lined up for a return to action in the reserves next Tuesday.

Collins has been out of action since December 10 with a hamstring injury which turned out to be more serious than first expected. In fact he has played just 14 times so far this season, scoring two goals for the Cottagers.

However, after weeks of physiotherapy he now looks to be on the comeback trail, just in time to bolster Fulham's bid to maintain top spot in the First Division.

He is apparently close to full fitness at the moment, but Jean Tigana is expected to wait for him to play a reserve match before calling him into the first team.

Fulham face Oxford at Motspur Park in the Avon Insurance Combination League on Tuesday, and Collins should play some part in the game.