Robbo: Don't doubt me

Paul Robinson is growing increasingly frustrated with having to justify his place as England's first choice goalkeeper.

The Tottenham star has retained his place in the first XI ever since taking advantage of David James's costly error against Austria in September, and has not put a foot wrong whilst acclimatising to international football.

Indeed the 25-year-old, who is close to penning a new deal at White Hart Lane, has also enjoyed a tremendous debut season for Spurs as he has cemented his position as one of the Premiership's outstanding keepers.

Robinson is expected to maintain his favoured status under Sven Goran Eriksson for the World Cup next summer, although he is growing increasingly angry that some still question whether he is confident of his starting role under the Swede.

With James waiting in the wings to restart his international career at any given opportunity Robinson strongly reinforced his claims for the number one shirt after emphasising his success over the past twelve months.

"I was really pleased with the way last season went," Robinson told The Sun.

"I did well for my club and, when I got the jersey off David James, I know I did well for my country.

"But fans and the press are still asking me how I see my position with England and whether I think I'll be in goal in Germany provided we qualify for the World Cup finals.

"Of course I think I'll be in goal, I have no doubts about that at all, why the hell should I?

"I'm getting fed up with people asking me.

"By the time we get round to the friendly against Denmark in August I'll have been England's number one for almost a year.

"Is that not long enough for everybody to be convinced?"

Robinson missed England's tour to America with knee ligament problems, although James failed to fully impress, and admitted to being disappointed to miss the opportunity to add to his ten caps.

The Spurs man also backed Eriksson's experimental tour, hailing the emergence of club team-mate Michael Carrick as justifying the controversial trip.

"I never like to miss games, especially when it's the chance to get another couple of caps," Robinson continued.

"The tour was being called a farce as a lot of us were forced to miss it but I can tell you I would have given anything to be out there.

"You cannot get enough experience playing for England, it is vital to get as many games as possible under your belt.

"The trip did wonders for Michael Carrick, he's forced himself into the reckoning.

"If Sven is looking for an alternative to Stevie Gerrard or Frank Lampard in central midfield, Michael's in there."