Whether your history is good or bad, it will be retainedon ICB for 5 years after you have satisfied the debt - cut a deal with the debt collection company as soon as you can afford to, so that your record will register on ICB as having been satisfied.
You should also check that a judgement hasn't been registered against you, and if it has, that it is marked as satisfied, when you discharge it, of course.
It's easy to be wise in hindsight, but you do need to address this issue urgently.
Build up a savings record with your local credit union, tell them your dilemma, and they may help you to clear off the Collector debt.