Callum Robinson is hoping that his club form can propel him into the starting eleven for Ireland's Euro 2020 play-off clash with Slovakia on Thursday.
The West Brom striker has hit the back of the net twice this season in the Premier League, bagging a brace in his side's recent 3-3 draw with Chelsea, and he is hoping that his form has impressed manager Stephen Kenny.
Robinson has generally been used as a wide attacking player in the green jersey, however, he has been leading the line with his club side, who were promoted to the Premier League last season.
And the Ireland manager admitted over the weekend that Robinson is now another option to consider in that central striking role, as he looks to guide the country to a victory in the must-win clash on Thursday in Bratislava.
Republic of Ireland forward Callum Robinson admits the players will have to adapt quickly to manager Stephen Kenny's ideas ahead of Thursday's #Euro2020 play-off semi-final in Slovakia pic.twitter.com/3GXIdvcMGg
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 6, 2020
"I've been doing well at club level to get selected, but then it's obviously getting into the starting line-up. Fingers crossed that can happen," said Robinson.
"I've just been enjoying my time at the moment 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, but I'm just going to keep working hard and try to do well in training over the next few days and see how it goes.
"Any player would want to be starting in games like Thursday night's. It's a massive game."
Robinson felt that Kenny and the team received a baptism of fire with last month’s double header as the new regime began with two tough competitive games, while a lot of the squad were still in pre-season mode.
And the Baggies frontman believes that the squad will be in much better shape going to Slovakia as they have had several weeks playing at their club, while the team also benefitted from the last camp as they had a chance to travel away together.
"Club-wise, the lads have been playing and we're all in a good place," said Robinson.
"The coaching staff and the manager are going to have to try to get as much information across to us in a short period of time, which is obviously hard.
"But it was good to be away with him last month, so we sort of know the basics of how he wants to approach games."
I've played in every one of those positions in my career so far
Robinson said that he is happy to play anywhere across the front three, having played in all three positions at club level, and just longs to play in the final third.
And the attacker said that he has no fear going to Slovakia, especially as he believes that he is travelling with a very strong unit, which is full of quality.
"I’ve played in every one of those positions in my career so far. For Preston North End I played a lot on the left, for Ireland I’ve played a lot on the right, last season I was on the left and right, and this season I’ve been playing through the middle.
"I enjoy playing in any of those positions, I enjoy playing in the final third and trying to be a threat from the left, right, or up front.
"Personally, I never fear anyone, and we're like that as a group. We know we've got a lot of quality.
"I'm really positive going into Thursday and I back all the lads and everyone who is involved here."
Robinson has left the Premier League bubble to join up with his Ireland team-mates, and while he admits that everyone is a little anxious during these Covid times, he stressed that he was not going to miss out on such a big game for his country.
"There is no chance am I missing that," said Robinson.
"There is no way I'm not catching a flight to Ireland and a flight over to Slovakia and back, and then to Finland.
"Obviously you are anxious because it is crazy what's going on in the world right now, but at the end of the day, it's our job and we want to play for our country, it's as simple as that."
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Follow Slovakia v Republic of Ireland (Thursday, 7.45pm) via our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app, watch live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 7pm or listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm's Game On.
