ALEX McLeish has told James Collins to use his Villa revival to overcome his Wales woes after being sidelined by his country for failing to replicate his club form.

Collins has been back to his commanding self in claret and blue this season, but international boss Gary Speed left him out of last week’s defeat to England.

It was a major blow for the 28-year-old who has previously captained Wales on an occasional basis and was regarded as one of the Dragons’ most important players.

But McLeish has had an encouraging conversation with Collins who is said to be remaining “philosophical” about losing his place to Cardiff youngster Darcy Blake.

Collins has been in impressive form for Villa so far this season as he bids to revive his solid partnership with Richard Dunne after last year’s fall from grace.

And McLeish is confident there will be no hangover from the former West Ham defender’s disappointment at being an unused sub in the Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

Instead, Villa’s manager expects Collins to redouble his efforts to stay at the top of his game in the Premier League in an effort to break back into the Wales XI.

The Newport-born former Cardiff centre-half recently admitted that he suffers a mental block and fails to do himself justice whenever he represents his home nation.

“He came back and I chatted to him about it because sometimes it can affect your head,” said McLeish.

“Going on international duty to represent your country, you should be the most confident man in the world.

“My problem was whether he would come back on a bit of a downer because he didn’t play, but I spoke to him and he was very complimentary about Gary Speed’s decision that he didn’t want to change a winning team.