Wolves defender Nathan Collins has been speaking about his challenge on Jack Grealish that resulted in him getting a red card.
The 21-year-old is now serving a three-game ban, after a poor tackle on the £100 million Manchester City star.
Collins was late and high on the 27-year-old, and referee Anthony Taylor didn’t hesitate to bring out the red card.
It was a frustrating moment in the game, that really put Wolves further on the back foot.
They were already 2-0 down at the point, and the incident then gave Wolves a mountain to climb.
Ironically, Wanderers did actually give a fairly decent performance once down to 10 men. Although some have suggested that was as much down to City taking their foot off the gas.
Collins acknowledges that his challenge was not a good one, and the centre-back is positive he will bounce back one he has served his ban.
He also revealed what Grealish said to him when he apolosued for the tackle.
He said (The Irish Times): “It was a mistimed tackle.
“I was outside the dressing room talking to someone and I saw him [Grealish]. I spoke to him and said: ‘Listen, in the tackle, I didn’t mean to go for you, I went for the ball and meant nothing by it’.
“He said ‘Yes, it’s not a problem, I didn’t think you did’. It was sound, we just chatted and we were both on good terms.
“If I’ve a long career, you’ll have ups and downs. I’ve come into camp and all the lads were great. Seamie [Coleman] was a good help, ‘Macker’ (James McClean) was a good help.
“I knew I’d a massive game coming up on Saturday [against Scotland]. I didn’t have time to dwell on it.
Collins would then start against Scotland and although the Republic of Ireland lost 2-1, the former Burnley man put in a colossal display.
A learning curve for Nathan Collins with Wolves star set for three-game ban after challenge on Grealish
Collins will no doubt learn from this incident.
It was a rash challenge which was also going to run the risk of a red card once he raised his foot.
He now faces a three-game ban and that is potentially going to sting for Wolves, with Collins having been really solid alongside Maximilian Kilman.
It sounds as though he isn’t dwelling on it though, which is good and indicates a mature head on his shoulders.