JOHN Collins might have been playing for Blackburn Rovers against Everton at Ewood tonight if things had worked out differently during the summer.

For Roy Hodgson was interested in the Scottish international midfielder who eventually moved to Goodison for £3.5 million from Monaco.

Collins will be reduced to the role of spectator as the two relegation-haunted clubs battle it out and, in fact, admits his own season is more or less over through a foot injury.

But that doesn't stop him experiencing the tensions of the relegation scrap.

Collins, however, has no doubts what dropping out of the Premiership would mean - and his comment applies equally to both clubs.

"Going down to Division One would be a disaster," he said.

"There is no other conclusion.

"But I am confident it will not happen. We have some good players and I am sure we will get out of trouble.

"The injury was worse than I first feared and it looks like I am going to have to write the season off.

"It is horrible really, because I hate watching. I get so tense, biting my nails and kicking every ball.

"The cup run has been good for the fans but League points are the most important thing.

"Everyone recognises the importance of the Blackburn game. One look at the table shows how big a match it is."

In some respects, tonight's game is as much about those who won't be playing as those who will.

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