The striker has realised his dream of getting a call-up to represent Wales

In-form hitman Aaron Collins has been rewarded for his sensational start to the season with a call up to join the Welsh national team.

The 29-year-old missed out on Craig Bellamy’s initial squad announced last week, but injuries in the camp have prompted bosses to snag the MK Dons frontman for their forthcoming Nations League games against Norway and Portugal.

It means Dons will be without their top-scorer for Saturday’s home game against Burton Albion, but should be available for the trip to Mansfield Town a week later.

Speaking last week, Collins said a Wales call-up would be a dream come true, with his form of 17 goals in 16 games eventually getting the recognition it deserves.

“We’re genuinely really pleased for him,” said boss Paul Warne. “He’s absolutely buzzing, his mum was buzzing, that’s how it should be.

“It’s a massive accolade for him and for the team. They’ve helped him score as many goals as he has, and hopefully he gets some game time and a cap. That would be pretty amazing. I could not be any happier for him.

“It’s a reward for all his hard work in pre-season. Last year, he had a lot of injuries, but he’s come back in good nick. He’s working hard for the team, he’s pressing and off the back of that, he’s got the goals and a call-up.

“That should be a message to all young players out there - if you work hard and hopefully you get recognised for it. To get recognition for your national is incredible.

“He had a really good career prior to joining us. Maybe the way we play and attack suits the goal-scorer he is, but most of the credit should go to him.”

Strike partner Callum Paterson heaped praise on the Welshman for his impact this season, already doubling his goal-tally of eight last time out, and said Collins is the club’s talisman at the moment.

“Maybe we signed the wrong Collo last season and the real one showed up this summer,” joked the Scot. “We’re all a team and working hard together but at the moment, he’s a one-man band. He’s scoring left, right and centre. Everything he touches turns to gold. He’s our talisman at the moment.

“We’re all feeding off him, but sometimes it takes on man to spur everyone else on.”