After being left out of the first-team squad for the most of the first part of 2008–09 by manager Stan Ternent, he was re-called to the team by caretaker manager Gerry Murphy to play in the FA Cup first-round tie at home to Port Vale. Collins scored Huddersfield's equaliser, but was unable to prevent them losing 4–3. A week later, Collins scored his first league goal of the season, with a 90th-minute winner in a 2–1 win at Elland Road against local rivals Leeds United. Collins scored 10 goals in 2008–09, from 39 appearances.