Source: Team_Talk
Allardyce backs Robinson decision
lackburn boss Sam Allardyce has backed Paul Robinson's decision to quit international football in the wake of his England call-up.[LNB] However, Allardyce - speaking after his team's 2-1 friendly victory over Celtic at Parkhead - hinted Robinson could yet change his mind if he was assured of a place in the England team.[LNB]Robinson was chosen by Fabio Capello for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary, but declared he did not want to be involved if he was behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster in the pecking order having already been unhappy at missing out on World Cup selection for South Africa.[LNB]Allardyce said: "For the time being, England will miss him. They missed him the World Cup because he should have gone there.[LNB]"He feels that if he isn't going to be number one, then he doesn't feel the need to be travelling with England.[LNB]"You'd have to ask him if he'd come back if guaranteed the number one spot, but I would presume so.[LNB]"Certainly at this moment in time, though, he doesn't feel that's the case. He feels that he should be number one and has always felt that way.[LNB]"As my player, I support him because I see him week in, week out and know how well he has performed.[LNB]"It's a big decision he's made, but I understand it."[LNB]Robinson, whose superb late save from Daryl Murphy, sealed victory for Blackburn, declined to add to his earlier media statement, but Allardyce was anxious to speak for him in glowing terms.[LNB]He added: "He has constantly improved his game over the last 18 months and his confidence has grown.[LNB]"What you saw was a reflection of how he has been for me since I've been here."
