Why Blackburn Rovers can save Paul Robinson

2:30pm Friday 25th July 2008

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A CHANGE of scenery may well prove essential – and inevitable – in Paul Robinson’s attempts to revive his international career.

The England goalkeeper has been the ultimate fall guy since Fabio Capello took over the Three Lions reins, a series of high-profile errors seemingly enough to convince the Italian that the gloves are safer with David James.

However, a possible move to Blackburn Rovers could be the perfect antidote to a shot-stopper once considered the best English goalkeeper of his generation.

It looks all the more likely that Rovers target Robinson will leave Tottenham this summer.

He struggled to hold down a regular starting place last season – frequently losing his spot to Radek Cerny – and was later told by Spurs manager Juande Ramos that he was surplus to requirements following the London club’s capture of PSV’s Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

On the international front, a number of errors has seen Robinson gradually lose the hearts and minds of football fans up and down the country.

Initally, he looked on course to keep the England number one jersey for a decade.

Wrestling the gloves off James, Robinson began fulfilling the promise of many who dubbed him the perfect replacement for David Seaman.

A permanent place in the England side looked nailed on following his displays in the 2006 World Cup, where he managed four clean sheets from five matches – undoubtedly the high point of his career.

However, a lack of confidence crept into his game during England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers – underlined by fatal mistakes.

Few will forget the howler against Croatia in October 2006, when Gary Neville’s backpass bounced over Robinson’s foot as he attempted to clear, resulting in an own goal to put the Croats 2-0 up.

And in last August’s friendly at home to Germany, Robinson was at fault for the opponents’ equalising goal, spilling Bernd Schneider’s cross that was tucked away by Kevin Kuranyi. England eventually lost 2-1.

Despite widespread calls to drop Robinson, coach Steve McClaren kept his faith with the Tottenham stopper, and he maintained his spot for England’s next five internationals.

However, after continued erratic form at Spurs, he soon made way for Scott Carson, while James is now considered Capello’s number one pick.

But despite the errors, there is no doubting that Robinson remains among the pick of goalkeepers on these shores.

All that is needed is a fresh start – a move away from North London.

At 28, Robinson has time on his side to re-energise his career and add to the 41 England caps already to his name.

And the Yorkshireman only has to look at Rovers’ departing goalkeeper Brad Friedel for inspiration.

Friedel endured his own difficult spell at Liverpool – and it was only until his arrival at Ewood Park in 2000 that the big American began to make a noise in the Premier League.

As someone who began his career at Leeds United, perhaps a move to the other side of the Pennines – East Lancashire – is now precisely what ‘Robbo’ requires.