Robbo's learning curve

Last updated : 25 March 2007 By SpursMAD

Paul Robinson said: "After the Croatia game it was difficult and I took a lot of criticism when, to this day, I do not think there was anything I could have done! It does affect you because you get known for that. It takes a very strong person and a strong character to come through it.

"At times it is not easy, but I am definitely a stronger person now because of it. It has been a learning curve because I have never suffered criticism at a personal level or been subjected to criticism like that before."

"I had support from people close to me and it was much appreciated. But it is something in the past and now I am looking to the future. I feel my form has picked up over the past few weeks. I feel as though I am getting back to the top of my game."


England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence said: "Playing is the most important thing. You can train as much as you like, but it's time on the pitch where you really learn as a goalkeeper, and there's no better place to do that than the Premiership.

"I'm pleased clubs are allowing them to go out on loan because otherwise they'd be sitting on the bench and playing only League Cup matches."

Even at England Under 21 level, only one of the three goalkeepers in the current squad isn't on loan to secure regular games at club level. But for now Ben Alnwick gets to train every day with Robbo at Spurs.

Ben Foster is on loan from Manchester United and Scott Carson from Liverpool. Wigan's Chris Kirkland, West Ham's Robert Green and Portsmouth's David James are also in contention.

"Whichever three are there, they all work well together. They all encourage each other and help the one who is going to be playing in the game," added Clemence.

Source: TheFA.com