Collins was dropped following a couple of mistakes in the past few games, notably the injury-time winner Luton Town scored at Kenilworth Road seven days ago.
That result had left Coventry’s play-off destiny unknown heading into the final game, but Wilson provided a huge barrier to Boro.
He made a big save to deny Finn Azaz with the game goalless in the first half and then when the visitors threatened an equaliser after the break, Wilson came up with some vital saves to preserve that advantage.
The 32-year-old had a knee injury when Lampard came into the club in November but he returned to fitness, waited for his chance and rewarded his manager on Saturday.
“Ben had quite a bad injury and it was not until recently that he was saying he was feeling better and looking better,” he said.
“For a goalkeeper with an injury, it’s not easy to train at their level. It’s only recently that he was ready, and I knew he was.
“Ben’s a great supporter, he’s a big personality in the dressing room, and his performance was outstanding considering.”
