Though he can play in other positions, Robinson always looked better for PNE playing off the left, which is where he excelled for WBA last season.
We've yet to see the best of him for Ireland but I think he has a lot to offer us if we can find a defined role for him.
I'm old enough to remember when Irish players played above themselves in a green shirt, no matter what their club form was or what level they were playing at, now it's so often the opposite, with the likes of Stevens, Doherty, Robinson and so many others looking a shadow of the players they are at club level.
As far as O'Dowda's concerned, I was surprised he even made the squad. It certainly wasn't based on form. The talent's evident but I just don't see an end product. He had couple of good moments over the two games but regularly flatters to deceive. He failed to link up with Doherty effectively and kept wanting to come inside on his left foot, which is fine, but it was to no great effect. He didn't put any particularly dangerous balls into the box nor did he get any shots away that really worried the opposition goalkeeper.
I know he scored a crucial goal for them at the end, but he was a bit part player in West Brom's run-in. Was there any reason for this other than just being down the pecking order a bit? If not, it wouldn't inspire confidence that he'd get more starts for them at a higher level.
I only really saw the game where they sealed promotion and he looked very good.
It was said earlier he looked better for PNE cutting in from the left and I'd agree based on the few times I've seen him. I think Kilbane, a PNE watcher, says the same.
Connolly's spot to lose? Does appear the battle is between the two Callum's for the other side.
Starts at Leicester. O'Shea also playing.
Currently on a hattrick against Chelsea who are being smashed by West Brom.
Lad hates Chelsea, 3 Premier League goals and all 3 against them!
McGoldrick scored two against them last year and Obafemi got one as well. We seem to have strikers that are good at scoring against Chelsea and almost nobody else for some reason.
Robinson looks more comfortable cutting in off the left, which is the same position as Connolly obviously. Neither seems as suited to wide right.
True, but if he plays for us next month it will be on the right of the three. I think that's possibly his weakest position of the three, although to be fair he is reasonably two footed.
The front 3 picks itself Connolly mcgoldrick Robinson
Agree Robinson is a better option than O'Dowda.
I think 4-3-3 is unsuited to our players, too. We've looked worryingly open with that system, against Finland in particular.
And it was highlighted on MOTD how McCarthy excelled as one of two deep-lying midfielders along with McArthur for Palace.
I understand Kenny wants to foster a more progressive brand of football, but we don't want to be that easy to play against when we face Slovakia. In a match of this importance we need to keep things tight and hope to nick one at the other end. We don't want to give away a silly goal and end up having to chase the game again.
I'd certainly play Coleman at right-back as well. His form, experience and the leadership he offers I think demand his selection.
They are two very good goals that Robinson scored. Hopefully he can stay in the team and kick on. It's clear they are looking for a more flexible front three by playing him through the middle than an out and out striker like Robson-Kanu or Charlie Austin.
Muck game today. Looked awful
He got a mention in the O’Shea thread but figured his display deserved some comments in his own thread. Robinson was engaged all game, consistently made good runs, generated two penalties and probably should have scored at least once from open play.
Good to see Big Sam trusting him, and playing as one of the forwards in a 4-4-2 also seemed to suit him.
Taken off at half time today and West Brom reportedly in for Benteke before the transfer window closes - so his game time might be reduced in the second half of the season. That would be a shame because I think he has been one of their better players in the first half of the season.
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