John Collins marched into Walter Smith's Everton revolution yesterday claiming he is a far better player since the last time he figured in the British game.

And the 30-year-old Scottish international admitted he is relishing the chance to form his own version of the French Connection at Goodison Park.

Collins completed his £2.5 million move from Monaco knowing he will almost certainly be paired in Everton's new-look midfield with Olivier Dacourt, who also signed for £2.5 million, 48 hours earlier from Strasbourg.

Smith sees Collins and tough-tackling Dacourt as the heartbeat of his new-look side, and Collins cannot wait for the chance to justify the faith of the new Everton chief.

He will be Everton's highest-ever paid player, on a reported £29,000 a week.

Collins and Dacourt have joined Smith's rebuilding programme this week, following the Bosman signing of former Rangers full-back Alex Cleland and last week's £3.8 million capture of Italian centre back Marco Materazzi from Perugia. A near £9 million outlay already - and there is the promise of more to come as Smith bids to end Everton's seemingly yearly battles against relegation from the Premiership.