Collins hails fellow Cobblers centre-back Tozer

And he believes that can prove beneficial to Northampton as they prepare to start the new Sky Bet League Two season without captain Kelvin Langmead.

Collins and Tozer, who have both signed new contracts at Cobblers since the end of last season, have formed a solid partnership during the club’s pre-season campaign.

And with last season’s player of the year Langmead set to be out for around three months with a knee injury, they should get plenty of chances to play together in competitive games.

The pair are favourites to line-up in the heart of the Town defence at York City on Saturday, and that is a prospect Collins welcomes.

“I know Ben’s game,” said the former Port Vale defender. “We’re very similar actually. I know I can give it to him on either foot and he’s more than comfortable there.

“I like Ben. He’s a good honest defender and he’s got a lot of quality on the ball as well. You can see the pedigree in his game.”

With Langmead having been ruled out since the start of pre-season following an operation on his knee, Cobblers boss AIdy Boothroyd has had time to assess his options.

And, though he knows Town will miss their skipper, Collins feels it is better that he and Tozer have had time to build an understanding ahead of the start of the new campaign.

“It’s a bit harsh to say that, but in reality that’s been the case,” said Collins, who was part of the Cobblers team which beat a Stoke City development side 2-1 at Sixfields on Saturday.

“Had he (Langmead) broken down this week, me and Toze would have less time to get prepared for Saturday, if selected obviously.

“We’ve had a couple of weeks at it now and we’re doing alright.”