Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Robinson hoping for hair-raising experience
ANTON Robinson may have shed his Lionel Richie-style locks but is still hoping to have Cherries supporters dancing on the Den ceiling tonight.
Despite returning for the start of pre-season sporting cropped hair, Robinson insists his new-look had nothing to do with ribbing from Steve Fletcher.
I did it for a change! laughed Robinson, who Fletcher nicknamed Lionel soon after the pair had arrived at Dean Court. It was nothing to do with the banter and I may grow it back.
Robinson has had more reason than most to look forward to Cherries Carling Cup first round tie after the draw set up a visit to his former club Millwall.
It was a crazy feeling at the time, said the midfielder, who joined the Lions as an 11-year-old before being released in 2005.
I havent played at the Den for a long time and Im really excited about going back. They will be a strong, physical and well-organised side and we will need to be on our mettle.
Everybody knows its a difficult place for opposing teams. The crowd will be hostile and you just need to keep your focus. The manager will instil that in us.
If we can keep doing the right things and nick a goal, maybe the crowd will turn on them. Scoring first would be great for us and would frustrate them. Its a cup game and anything can happen.
Robinson is credited with playing just once for Millwall in the FA Cup against Wolves although he maintains a second appearance was missed by the statisticians.
And a bizarre case of mistaken identity at Bury on Saturday could also rob him of a goal after his headed effort was inexplicably credited by some media sources to Fletcher.
Despite his minor misfortune, the Harrow-born 22-year-old was instrumental in Cherries opening-day victory but will not be resting on his laurels.
Everything has happened really quickly since I came here, said the former Weymouth and Fisher Athletic man. Im delighted with how far, not just me, but the team has come.
Hopefully, I can keep my shirt, keep doing well and kick on.
The manager is instilling competition for places.
He has told the players with the shirts to try to keep them and has encouraged the lads who arent playing to seize their chance when it comes along. Ive got to make sure I dont lose mine.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe is hoping dead leg victims Ryan Garry and Liam Feeney will both be available for selection, while Millwalls Jason Price is expected to be ruled out by the same injury.
Howe will have the relative luxury of only having to name a five-man bench as the new rules regarding substitutes do not include the Carling Cup.
