Hibernian striker James Collins is praying Terry Butcher can work the same magic on him that turned unheralded Billy McKay into the hottest attacking property in Scottish football.
Butcher has already paid the 23-year-old the ultimate compliment, describing him as “a bigger version of McKay” following a recent leveller against Partick Thistle.
Collins has scored just three times since signing for the Hibees from Swindon in August, with a reported £200,000 combined with the task of replacing Leigh Griffiths often looking to weigh heavily on his shoulders.
However, the former Republic of Ireland international last night defiantly insisted there was “much more to come” and believes Butcher could be the perfect man to unlock his potential.
McKay was signed by the ex-England captain while at Inverness and, after an underwhelming first season north of the border, the signing from Northampton Town has gone on to net 42 goals in the last two seasons and is currently romping away at the summit of the Premiership top scorer charts with 12.
Collins said: “Billy is obviously flying and is doing well. He also did well last season and he is showing it again this season. If I am doing as half as well as he is doing up there then I will be a happy man.
“I am obviously working under the right coaching team for that, and if the gaffer can get out of me what he got out of Billy then we won’t be going far wrong.
“There is definitely much more to come from me there is more to come from everyone. I don’t think we are half way there yet so hopefully there are more goals and better performances to come.
“I thrive on playing well and scoring goals. If you are playing well, are working hard and the gaffer is backing you then there is no reason to go out there full of confidence. Scoring gives you that belief and confidence.”