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Ray Clemence helps Robbo fight for second England chance
Simon Johnson21 Feb 2008
When Paul Robinson makes his return in Tottenham's goal against Slavia Prague tonight he will not only be playing for his Carling Cup Final place, but a chance to put himself back in the England frame.
Robinson has spent the last seven weeks impatiently waiting for another opportunity to impress Spurs manager Juande Ramos, in the knowledge that new England coach Fabio Capello is still unsure about his No1.
This season has been tough for the 28-year-old, whose days at Spurs look numbered now Ramos has identified Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni as a summer transfer target.
Robinson has also suffered with England this campaign - gifting Germany a goal in the August friendly, being left out of the decisive Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia and being overlooked by Capello.
However, Robinson knows a good performance tonight will see him line up against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, giving him an opportunity to put himself in the shop window and catch Capello's eye.
While David James has been earning the plaudits for his Portsmouth displays, which led to Capello picking him in his first game against Switzerland, he still has a lot to do to make the position his own.
Robinson may appear far from regaining his England No1 status having been left our of the squad for the friendly this month, but then he appeared to be in the same bleak position at Tottenham just seven days ago with Radek Cerny having impressed in recent matches.
But then the Czech keeper dropped a simple cross to hand Slavia Prague an outside chance of knocking Spurs out the UEFA Cup and made Ramos reconsider.
The same could happen to Capello, especially as former Tottenham keeper Ray Clemence, who is part of the England set-up, believes Robinson still has a big future at international level.
Clemence has remained in contact with the former Leeds keeper throughout his trials and tribulations over the last few months and while his influence on Capello is unknown at this stage, he does have a chance to bend the Italian's ear.
As far as Clemence is concerned, Robinson has a great opportunity to impress and said: "As a keeper, when you are left out of the team it's harder than if you are an outfield player. It is more difficult to come back and prove yourself because you don't get as many opportunities, but when you do get them you have to take them. He has to prove that he is still a top 'notch keeper, which he still is.
"As far as England is concerned, Paul played a lot of games for England and his record in the European Championship qualifiers was Croatia and Russia. He needs to bounce back and the only way to do that is to play games.
"I have been talking with him through this period, although what was said has to remain between us."
"It was disappointing for him to be left out of the team, but it's good to see he is set to return tonight and all he can do is perform well and let everyone know and his manager how good a keeper he still is. Cerny had done well but then he obviously made that error last week."
"The manager is obviously thinking about the Carling Cup Final on Sunday and is one of the reasons why he is thinking of recalling Paul."
Robinson's long-term future at Tottenham is still in doubt with the club still openly looking at other targets."
But Clemence feels Robinson's downturn in form at the club has been due to the uncertainty at the back caused by the absence of influential captain Ledley King.
He added: "The problem with Paul was that when he was playing he never had a settled back four and as a former keeper I know how important it is to have a stable defence in front of you. It's important to know what the defenders are going to do and what positions they're going to take up as well as their strengths and weaknesses."
"It's no coincidence that when Ledley is in the side the whole defence at Tottenham looks more composed, and that underlines how good a player he is.
"As far as Paul is concerned, the quality never leaves you but confidence can do."
With Tottenham leading 2-1 from the first leg of the last 32 tie, Robinson knows a clean sheet will ensure they progress, but it could well lead to him having a brighter future as well.
