Thomas Frank was full of praise for 22-year-old defender Nathan Collins after he scored his first goal for the club in the 3-2 win over West Ham United this weekend.
The Irish defender joined the Bees for a club-record deal in the region of £23 million this summer from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Collins rose highest in the 69th minute to head home the winner securing a crucial win for the side, and pushing them into the top half of the division.
Thomas Frank has spoken about his defender, praising Collins for his immediate impact at the GTEC Community Stadium.
Thomas Frank on Nathan Collins
In The Athletic’s latest article, Frank said: “There’s so much potential in Nathan.
“He’s just started his career, more or less. I know he’s played Premier League football before, but at 22 you are not even close to your highest level.
“He’s done well for us. Last week was a good step in the right direction. I think today [there were] also a lot of important clearances on set pieces and then he finally scored. What a cross from Mathias Jensen and what a header.”
Bright future ahead for Collins
Although he only joined the club this summer, Collins already looks as though he’s a shrewd addition.
£23 million was seen as a hefty sum at the time, however, despite only being 22 he looks to be a key player now and for the future for Frank.
He was brought in as a long-term replacement for departing Pontus Jansson who departed the club at the end of last season.
However, his instant impact has seen him nail down a starting position, with Collins possessing qualities that could see him become club captain one day.