Ramos putting Robbo back on the Wembley trail - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Ramos putting Robbo back on the Wembley trail

Paul Robinson is in line for a dramatic recall to the Tottenham team for Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against Slavia Prague at White Hart Lane.

The goalkeeper, who began the season as England No.1, has not played since he was axed by Juande Ramos in January, but he will also face Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday at Wembley if he comes through unscathed.

Second chance: Paul Robinson will be in goal tomorrow

The dramatic development comes after Radek Cerny's mistake in Prague last week, which enabled Slavia to cut the arrears to 2-1, and Spurs head coach Ramos has doubts over whether the Czech keeper can cope under severe pressure. Ramos made the decision after video analysis of Cerny's recent performances and has decided to give Robinson, 28, a final chance in the Tottenham team.

Cerny was also at fault for one of Manchester United's goals in the FA Cup exit at Old Trafford and the manager is convinced Robinson will respond to his dramatic recall.

Ramos will also pick club captain Ledley King at Wembley, despite the England defender's ongoing knee problems that have restricted his appearances since his return to the team on Boxing Day.

Robinson was initially dropped ahead of Tottenham's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Arsenal, and he demanded a transfer from White Hart Lane during talks with sporting director Damien Comolli and his agent the following day.

Spurs accepted his demand, but told the England keeper that he would not be allowed to leave until the summer. Ramos has targeted a number of replacement keepers — three are in Spain and the other is playing in Italy — but Robinson could still leave White Hart Lane with a Carling Cup winner's medal.

Back from the cold: Paul Robinson had to sit on the bench in Prague last week but will be between the posts on Thursday

He has been brooding on the bench since he was dropped after a series of errors which contributed to him losing his place in the England squad.

Portsmouth keeper David James played in Fabio Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland at Wembley two weeks ago and the new England chief has made it clear he will only select players currently in their first teams.

Aston Villa's Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland of Wigan have also moved above Robinson in the pecking order, but the Spurs keeper still believes he has top-class credentials.

Those will be put to the test tomorrow night, when he makes his Spurs comeback, and he has the incentive of a place in the starting line-up for Sunday's showpiece if successful.

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