Jol expects Robinson to shine in Germany

English FA Premiership/Chelsea v Tottenham: Martin Jol expects Paul Robinson to gain belated universal recognition this summer…

English FA Premiership/Chelsea v Tottenham: Martin Jol expects Paul Robinson to gain belated universal recognition this summer with his performances for England at the World Cup. Robinson commands less global attention than many leading goalkeepers because of a lack of Champions League exposure at Tottenham Hotspur, but Jol believes the 26-year-old is of similar standing to Chelsea's Petr Cech.

Cech is widely regarded as one of the finest current goalkeepers and goes head-to-head with Robinson this lunchtime as Tottenham face a big test at Stamford Bridge. "They are about the same quality," said Jol, who feels the World Cup will demonstrate where Robinson ranks in relation to the best.

"In Germany we will see probably exactly the situation," said Tottenham's head coach. "I think even abroad they will get to know him. I think he is a great talent. He's very athletic, strong, he looks good, he's got charisma. I think his reflexes are second to none and he is very critical of himself, and that's probably his main quality."

Robinson's reflexes are likely to be tested by Chelsea as Spurs attempt to strengthen their push for fourth place. The former Leeds goalkeeper's fierce self-criticism has helped him earn 19 caps and move ahead of David James as Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice. That approach does not prevent him from quickly putting mistakes behind him, according to Jol.

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"For a player that is a very good thing because if you lose your confidence after one or two situations or mistakes, that would be significant," Jol said. "You have to go on and be the number one and be the best and I think he's doing that all the time because he's not perfect. Nobody's perfect."

Jol listed Robinson in a top group of Premiership goalkeepers with, among others, Cech and Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar. He stressed, though, that Tottenham's back line deserves credit for its part in Robinson's sound season.

"If you have a good defence with a terrific goalkeeper like Paul, you look good," he said. "If you play for a different team who are struggling, maybe it's different. So I think it's about our defence as well."

Chelsea, meanwhile, have also warned fans that anyone who spoils the day with anti-semitic behaviour will be identified and prosecuted by police. The club have promised to ban guilty offenders from Stamford Bridge until at least the end of next season. The Jewish community and the English Football Association have backed the initiative.

Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "Chelsea FC is proud of its record in tackling racism and stamping out anti-semitism is part of that. The match against Spurs is a great opportunity to show this. We urge all supporters to respect this and, if there is any abuse, report it. Anti-semitism is unacceptable and jeopardises what coming to Stamford Bridge should be about."

Guardian Service