Nathan Collins  Nathan Michael Collins (born 30 April 2001) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for EFL Championship club Stoke City. Collins began his career with youth club Cherry Orchard where his father David and uncle Eamonn both started their careers at. He joined English side Stoke City in January 2016 after being recommended by scout Tony Bowen, assistant manager Mark Bowen's brother. Collins made his professional debut on 9 April 2019 away at Swansea City. His first start came 10 days later when he played the full 90 minutes of Stoke's 1–0 loss away to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Collins signed a new five-year contract with Stoke in July 2019. Collins made his Republic of Ireland U17 debut against Kazakhstan on 17 October 2016 and was later made captain of the team. Collins' family includes a number of other footballers, including his father Dave Collins who played with Liverpool and Oxford United among others. His uncle, Eamonn Collins, played with many sides including Southampton and Portsmouth before going on to manage St Patrick's Athletic and later becoming a football agent. His older brother Josh Collins is also a footballer who plays for League of Ireland First Division side UCD.