Callum Robinson has been criticised for his form for both club and country.

Former Millwall player Eamon Dunphy has claimed that the forward has failed to perform to the standard required of him.

The 76-year old believes it has been an underwhelming campaign for the West Brom player.

Robinson drew yet another blank on Wednesday evening as Ireland fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Ukraine.

Stephen Kenny’s side have now lost both of their Nations League games 1-0, with Robinson starting both games.

The 27-year old was criticised for his lack of goals at both national and club level this season.

Writing in his column for the Irish Daily Star, the former midfielder believes that a good run of form at the start of the campaign drew a false impression of his performance level.

“To me, he is the most overhyped Ireland player in a long time,” wrote Dunphy.

“And the reason why he has been built into something he isn’t is an extraordinary run he had last year.

“In two games in October, he scored five times and, a month later, he scored again – away to Luxembourg.

“Six goals in nine internationals in a calendar year is a brilliant return. But it gave us a false picture of Robinson’s standing. In his other 21 games, he has scored just once.

“At club level, Robinson is usually a blunt instrument.

“He has played 180 games at club level over the past five seasons, scoring 39 times. Given the fact that most of those games were at Championship level, that’s a poor return.

“When you take a narrower focus, the picture looks even worse.

“Robinson has played 109 club games in the last three seasons, with just 19 goals. That’s not good at all.”

 

 

 

Robinson will still have two more games left this season to end the campaign on a high note, with further international fixtures against Scotland and a reverse leg against Ukraine.

The striker earned a return of seven goals and nine assists at club level for the Baggies as Steve Bruce’s side finished 10th in the Championship.

The Verdict

Given Ireland’s current problems in front of goal, it is inevitable that Robinson would come under fire for criticism.

His performances for West Brom this season have earned him that position in Kenny’s starting lineup.

These final two games for Ireland will offer Robinson the chance to deliver a direct response to his critics.

Good results will be needed against Scotland and Ukraine, otherwise the whole squad and management will face even further scrutiny.