Robinson closes door on England again

Paul Robinson has today re-affirmed his position with regards to international duties and his stance is very much the same as a year ago – it’s club before country.

Robinson has been a self-imposed international exile since the Fabio Capello days but a change of manager in recent times was reported to have led to a change of heart for the Rovers number one.

But that is not the case with Robinson confirming that he is finally enjoying his football again after some tough late days as an England after thought.

Robinson told the Guardian – ‘It has definitely helped me as a person and as a player [being away from the England scene]. I’ve been out of that for a while now and it has helped me enjoy my football. I love playing my football here. I love being part of the team and the club’s set-up and there is nothing to change at the moment.

‘There is nothing else to worry about. That is the main reason I retired from international football. I can recharge the batteries more. I’m 32 and feel I can benefit more from staying with my own team, working on my own game and maybe having a rest when needed rather than training every day and having to sit and watch a game that I’m not involved in.’

‘It’s not about there being too many bad memories in the past, I’m enjoying playing for Blackburn Rovers and I’m concentrating on that. There hasn’t been any contact [with England]. I’m just concentrating on keeping Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League.’

Lest we forget as well that Robinson in the newly installed Blackburn Rovers captain after the departures of Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen, judging by his comments it is a role he enjoys.

Robbo continued – ‘I’m enjoying my football and really enjoying the role of captain. I think that might have given me more of a lift and I’m in a good run of form at the moment, as is the team. It always helps when the team is playing well. I do feel as though I’ve been around for ever but I’m only 32 so, in goalkeeping terms, I’ve still got a few years left in me. Hopefully I’m coming into my prime now. There is always time for development and hopefully I can get better.’

To be a bit biased, at least this benefits Rovers.