Preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is already in motion as the Glasgow Wildcats gear up for an assault on the Superleague title.... (Ed. 45)

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"For most of my career the reason for keeping going was to make myself the best player I could."

Gregor Townsend

EDITION 45 - WINTER 2010-11

Wildcats back with a bite

Wildcats in action

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The Wildcats huddle

Preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is already in motion as the Glasgow Wildcats gear up for an assault on the Superleague title....

Nicola Collins suffered heartache in December when she was forced out of Scotland’s Six Nations Cup campaign in Singapore with a knee injury – which eventually ended in a 53-30 defeat to Wales in the final.

But with both full fitness and the Superleague season just around the corner Collins is feeling upbeat about the Wildcats’ 2011 chances, which starts with the visit of Loughborough Lightning on January 22.

And with the Commonwealth Games coming home in three years time Collins believes the exposure to the Superleague is just what the up and coming Scottish stars need to be in the medal hunt.

“It was a disappointing time for me at the end of 2010 because I picked up an injury right before Scotland’s trip for Singapore, so I had to sit that out which was frustrating. Now I am raring to go again,” said Collins.

“Even though I missed out on the trip to Singapore the Superleague is something I always look forward to and I can’t wait to get going again and start off the new season.

“The Superleague provides the Wildcats with great competition and that is something that we don’t really get playing in Scotland.

“We are a younger squad and are looking to come together. These tough games will help shape our side and give players valuable game experience as we look to build towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“It gives us a chance to see what is working and what isn’t and this will all be valuable experience and training for the national side.”

With minds set firmly on home soil in three-years time the Wildcats have a youthful set up to this year’s squad – with Collins, 25, and Jenna Storie, 24, the older heads in the their ranks.

And since the majority of the Wildcats also make up the national squad Storie believes the emphasis on bedding in young talent is the right way to go about things.

“This will be my third year in the Superleague this year and the team has changed quite a bit, there are a few younger players and the team dynamics have changed quite a bit,” she said.

“The young girls are brilliant and a few of them went to Singapore.

“The main players should be the ones who have played in previous years and have the experience but saying that I have noticed the effect of the younger girls and they really came out fighting.

“As a sport in Scotland netball is getting bigger, people are going to games, the crowds are getting larger.

“Our main aim as a team is the 2014 Commonwealth Games, most of the Glasgow team play for Scotland and the Superleague is a stepping stone preparing us for that.

“The Superleague is the best option because we are playing against high calibre teams, which will definitely get us ready for the Games.”

Glasgow Wildcats will begin their Fiat Netball Superleague campaign on January 22 for more information and tickets please visit http://www.glasgowwildcats.co.uk/

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