ROBINSON: ‘ABUSE OF PLAYERS MAKES NO SENSE’
‘Euro joy can put smiles back on fans’ faces’
CALLUM Robinson is convinced that victory for the Republic of Ireland over Slovakia on Thursday will be a shot in the arm for the nation’s mental well-being. After sport avoided a nationwide lockdown last night, the West Brom striker wants ‘to put a smile on people’s faces’ by helping Ireland reach the Euro 2020 play-off final. ‘Through these sad times at the moment, I would say football in general is keeping people healthy,’ he said last night. ‘On Thursday, if we can get a win to put a smile on people’s faces that would be massive, especially as winter is coming and that’s a bit of a downer on top of the virus. ‘I know football is definitely helping people get through these times, as everyone is home a lot and watching the games.’ Robinson, 25, is gunning for a starting role against the Slovaks after two decent cameos as substitute last month in the Nations League, followed by a couple of goals for West Brom in the Premier League. ‘I’ve been enjoying my time with West Brom. I’ve started the first four games of the season and was involved in one of the Cup games and got myself a few goals, so I’m obviously positive going into the game. ‘I’ve got to wait on the gaffer’s selection. I’m just going to keep working
hard and try to do well in training. ‘We want to make history, we want to get to the Euros, these are the games you dream of as a kid. ‘It’s going to be tough but you’re never going to get to a Euros an easy way.’ As football strives to rid itself of racism, Robinson finds it’s difficult to comprehend why Irish black players, among them Nottingham Forest defender Cyrus Christie, should be targeted on social media. ‘We are playing for the country as we have Irish in us, so that doesn’t make sense at all. We still put in 100, 110 per cent for the country. ‘When I was at Preston and I first joined the squad I had a few tweets but I haven’t had anything face-to-face and I haven’t heard anything from the crowd. ‘It’s not nice that Cyrus had to experience that.’ Robinson believes the sight of footballers taking the knee before the kick-off of games will increase global awareness of institutional racism and the Black Lives Matter movement. ‘It’s every game and everyone is watching the games. ‘It’s viewed all around the world and we are taking a stand. ‘Even if just one or two per cent of kids ask, “Why are they kneeling? Why are they doing that?” and the parents can answer it, there’s so much to it. That is going to help the situation.’ The FAI were unable to confirm last night whether Nottingham Forest midfielder Harry Arter (thigh) would join the squad before this afternoon’s flight to Bratislava. The plans of Pavel Hapal, the Slovakia coach, have been hit by the late defections of Omonia
Nicosia striker Michael Duris with concussion, and Lech Poznan defender Lubomir Satka, who is isolating after coming into contact with someone infected with Covid-19. Hapal expects Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka to be available in spite of the recent Covid-19 outbreak at the Serie A club.