Boss Roy Keane will strive again to strengthen his survival squad in the coming weeks as the Black Cats look to build a secure future in the Premier League.

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The fact his side failed to take a single point from England's top five last season illustrated the need for more quality, and Collins is excited about the prospect of arrivals.

He said: "It's good to have our holidays to look forward to now, but you never get that far away from football really.

"We need the break after a tough season and it'll be nice to put my feet up for a couple of weeks or so.

"There will probably be a few new lads to meet when we get back from the close season and that's always an interesting time. I'm in the dark just like all the fans are about who might be coming to the club. The gaffer's ambitious and wants to take things on now.

"It's great. We'll probably be linked with 100 players again, just like we were last season. I'll have to keep an eye on the rumours in the papers like everyone else and it looks like being an interesting summer."

A host of names have already been linked with a move to Sunderland in the summer, including Manchester City pair Stephen Ireland and Richard Dunne and Reading left-back Nicky Shorey, who is set to leave the Royals after their relegation from the top flight.

"You don't know what to believe – sometimes the stories are spot on but most of the names that you pick up in the national papers never seem to arrive," added Collins.

"It's certain that there will be more competition for everyone next season and it's up to the lads here at the moment to meet that challenge. I'll be up for it."

And no wonder. Only Craig Gordon and Kenwyne Jones made more Sunderland appearances than the consistent Collins last season and he picked up the coveted SAFC Supporters' Association Player of the Year award.