McClaren backs rocking Robbo

Robinson has been the subject of stinging criticism for his part in Tottenham's early slip-up against Aston Villa, before being saved by his team-mates in the dramatic 4-4 draw.

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The former Leeds goalkeeper was at fault for three of Villa's goals and those mistakes were the latest in a line of blunders by Robinson for Spurs and England.

His lack of form has led to calls for him to be dropped for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia on Saturday week and Russia four days later.

Villa's Scott Carson, on loan from Liverpool, and West Ham's Robert Green have looked much safer bets this season.

But England coach Steve McClaren is adamant that Robinson is his preferred choice and, barring injury, the 27-year-old will start against Estonia.

McClaren said: "Paul Robinson has never let England down in the qualifiers. He has only conceded two goals and they were against Croatia.

"People are talking about changing the team when not so long ago they were saying that we shouldn't make changes. I have every confidence in Paul Robinson and always have."

McClaren refused to blame Robinson for the "freak goal" in Zagreb when Gary Neville's back pass bobbled past him and into the net and was similarly diplomatic about his keeper's failure to deal with a routine cross against Germany, a mistake which allowed Kevin Kuranyi to score.

The England manager is clearly keen to rebuild Robinson's confidence, as is Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who will select Robinson for tonight's game despite his side's 6-1 advantage and having played Radek Cerny in the first leg.

Jol said: "Paul wants to play because he wants to do better. He will start.

"He is my No 1 and it is a good opportunity for Paul to keep his rhythm, and I think if he keeps a clean sheet it will be good. It is important to get back out there after a mistake."

Jol agrees with McClaren when it comes to who is the best goalkeeper for England. He said: "Every time in internationals he has done well and kept a lot of clean sheets.

"But it is not just him. It is easier if the players in front of him do well as well. I can't come up with anybody better than Paul for England. The England manager and his predecessor Sven Goran Eriksson have the same opinion."

Tonight's tie certainly offers Robinson the chance to prove himself. The same could be said for Jol after his players seemingly saved his job after they trailed 4-1 against Villa.

Despite the reprieve, Jol admitted his position is under constant scrutiny by the board, even if the fans remain behind their manager.

He said: "I suppose I am on a game-by-game basis but it was almost that situation from the start. It is a matter of trust and the fans trust me.

"They are not fickle. Maybe other people are, but they aren't. I will treat this game as though it is important. If we get to the group stages it would show again how far we have come.

"Maybe a cup is more realistic than a Champions League place for us. That would be marvellous."

Two thousand Spurs fans are expected to show their continued support for Jol and Robinson in the 9,000-seater Antonis Papadopoulos stadium.

As well as Robinson, Jol is concerned with maintaining confidence levels in his strikeforce ahead of Sunday's trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.

He said: "It was a good victory in the first leg and great for the strikers to get among the goals and that will give them the confidence.

"Football is a confidence game and we just need that little break to restore ours to the level at which we know it should be.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with the team or our performances. We just need a couple of wins to lift our spirits."