The Republic of Ireland international praised the team’s spirit to keep going right up until the last minute, saying: “There was a stage in the game where I thought, here we go again.

We weren’t at our best but that’s a sign of a team that’s together and are on the up.

“Probably six weeks ago we wouldn’t have got a point and we would have lost the game so credit to the lads. We stuck in there and kept it at 1-0 and at 1-0, there is always a chance to get a point. It could turn out to be a massive point at the end of the season.”

At the end of a three-game week in which Town have faced Charlton Athletic, Brentford and the Potters, the gap towards safety has been cut from nine to five points which is pleasing for Collins and the rest of the players.

“Three months ago we wouldn’t have got a point, we would have lost the game 1-0 and we would have been here heads in hands. We know in the changing room that as a team we weren’t good enough today, but we’ve got a point and we move on and we’re a point closer to where we want to be.”

The game also marked the third in succession that the 29-year-old has worn the captain’s armband, an achievement he spoke about with tremendous pride.

“It’s a massive honour to be captain of this football club. Sonny is the club captain, Sheez was the club captain before so I’ve been under some great captains at the club, Glen when he was fit last year and Scotty Cuthbert.

"To be named as the captain when Sonny doesn’t play is fantastic, I love it. I feel I’m at an age now where I can do it, obviously Sonny is the captain, but I do enjoy wearing it when he’s not playing.”

The big games keep coming for the Hatters with 19th placed Wigan Athletic up next, but the striker refuses to put added pressure on the game, explaining: “Every game is a big one, whether they’re at the bottom with us or they’re at the top of the league. We’re going to treat it as any other match, we’ve got a week to prepare now. They’re on a good run, we’re on a good run so we will see who comes out on top.”