There have been mixed responses to Paul Robinson's decision to quit International football. Some pundits believe the decision was inevitable given that the keeper had failed to figure in Fabio Capello's plans and that Joe Hart and Robert Green were further up the pecking order. However, some have questioned the timing of the decision given Robinson's recall to the squad for the friendly against Hungary on Wednesday.

Whether or not Robinson has been waiting for his opportunity to let Capello know of his frustrations, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Robinson was desparately unlucky to be left out of the World Cup squad. I am not suggesting he should have been given the gloves outright, but his performances last season certainly merited a place on the plane as the keeper was a major factor in the Rovers revivial during the final few months of the season. I can totally understand his frustrations but has Robinson been too hasty with his decision given that he has now forced his way into the squad? History may suggest he has been.

There is certainly a dearth of talent out there at present. Joe Hart and Robert Green maybe ahead of Robinson but only a few short years ago it was looking increasingly likely that David James's international career would be curtailed with the arrival of Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland and Nicky Weaver. The void left by David Seaman created a crazy scramble for the number 1 jersey, a position that Robinson and others filled at the expense of James. It is certainly not taken for granted that Joe Hart will turn out to be the first choice between the sticks for the years to come.

Some Rovers supporters feel that Robinson was overlooked because he played for an unfashionable side like Blackburn. It is generally accepted that Stephen Warnock produced better performaces at Rovers than he did last season at Villa but he became a regular in the England squad whilst wearing the claret and blue.

Unfortunately Robinson's England career will always be synonymous with that bobble one night in Zagreb. On that occasion, he was desparately unlucky. But that freak event seems to have been a metaphor for his England career.