The Bluebirds forward has admitted his frustration over a lack of game time but has big admiration for 'unbelievable' Brian Barry-Murphy
Callum Robinson of Cardiff City(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
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Callum Robinson can be forgiven for candidly admitting his frustration over his reduced playing role at Cardiff City this season.
Having someone of Robinson's quality and pedigree on the bench is a luxury few League One sides could dream of, however the Republic of Ireland international has had to wait patiently for his opportunities this season.
That being said, Robinson has a huge opportunity to send a timely reminder to Bluebirds boss Brian Barry-Murphy when Chelsea come to town on Tuesday evening.
The forward, who has scored five goals in three appearances against Chelsea, heads into Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final with an eye-catching record against the Premier League giants — one he has already jokingly referenced on social media when the draw was made, sparking a wave of banter from Chelsea supporters.
“It’s a weird one,” Robinson said. “Chelsea’s probably the team I’ve scored the most against in my career.
"I put a little bit out there for banter and it kind of blew up. I didn’t think they’d remember little old Callum Robinson, to be fair, but they nibbled!”
Robinson’s comments came with a smile, but they arrive against a backdrop of frustration over a lack of game-time this season.
Last week, the 30-year-old openly acknowledged his disappointment at being on the bench as Yousef Salech continues to lead the line during Cardiff’s superb run of form.
Despite Cardiff winning five league games on the bounce and sitting four points clear at the top of League One, Robinson has made no secret of his desire to be starting more regularly.
"I've spoken to Brian a few times in the office," Robinson said of his chats with the manager.
"It's good, me and him have a really good relationship. It's a young team, so there are questions asked from his side and my side. As I've come out before, he's an unbelievable coach, he's probably one of the best I've worked with.
"There are conversations – but at the end of the day, he's the manager and he picks the team. I'll be just doing what I can.
"There's frustration, but I just have to park that aside and keep going.
“Every minute I get, I'm trying to push, to play, to start and to play more and more games like any professional would and any of the lads would if they were in my situation, not playing a lot of minutes.
"So I've just got to keep my head down and train how I've been training all season and try to help and affect games and hopefully Brian will give me more minutes and more chances.”
Robinson has done exactly that in recent weeks, making an impact off the bench and continuing to show why Barry-Murphy values him so highly behind the scenes.
The Cardiff boss has repeatedly praised Robinson’s attitude, something the striker says comes naturally — particularly in a squad dominated by young players.
“If I haven’t got the right attitude, it doesn’t work in this group,” he explained.
“There are so many young lads here and I’ve played a lot of games. I have to set an example. I can’t do any more than give everything on and off the pitch.”
Attention now turns to Chelsea, with Robinson relishing another chance to test himself against elite opposition — and potentially add to his already remarkable record.
“I’ve always enjoyed games like this,” he said. “You don’t realise how quick these moments come and go. I look back now and the Premier League feels like it flew by. I’d say to the young lads: enjoy it, don’t overthink it.”
Despite the gulf in divisions, Robinson believes Cardiff are capable of making life uncomfortable for their visitors, pointing to the confidence and fearlessness of Barry-Murphy’s young side.
“We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said. “We’re in great form, playing good football and this is what the cup’s about. You can’t go into these games thinking you just want to survive — if you do that, you get punished.”
And as for his own Chelsea hoodoo?
“Hopefully it keeps going,” Robinson laughed. “If I score, great. If I don’t and we win, even better. We’ll give it a right go — whatever minutes I get.”
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