Robbo lays down Cech gauntlet

After news of Marek Cech's unsettlement at the Hawthorns, regular left back and former captain Paul Robinson has laid down the gauntlet for the former Porto star, inviting him to challenge for his first team spot of he wants it. Cech had filled in for Robbo during his suspension, only to lose out once again after his return.

But Robinson has risen to the rumours that Cech is seeking a move by telling him to challenge for his place.

Robinson is more than accustomed to first team football.  A regular starter for the Baggies he has been displaced only once before; by Neil Clement under the management of Bryan Robson.

Robinson labels himself as a 'fighter', but believes that stiff competition from the 25 year old Marika Cech can only be healthy for both of them.  Robbo is grateful to have been handed his place straight back after being suspended, and puts this down to working hard and consistently in training.  But he knows his place could be fragile if the Slovakian International steps up to the mark.

Insistent that competition for places breeds confidence, he believes that healthy competition between him and Cech can only have a positive impact on the team as the seek to move out of the bottom three and mount a Premiership survival campaign.