Ex-Preston North End striker Callum Robinson answers his critics with two-goal blast

Former Preston striker Callum Robinson ended a week of controversy with a decisive double as the Republic of Ireland won a competitive match for the first time under boss Stephen Kenny 3-0 in Azerbaijan.
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Robinson hit the headlines in the run-up to the game after revealing he had chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 despite twice contracting the virus.

But he provided the perfect response to the criticism he received as a result with two first-half goals to set the stage for a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win in Baku.

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The success at the Baki Olimpiya Stadium, which was rounded off by substitute Chiedozie Ogbene’s late header, was Ireland’s first in a meaningful fixture since they beat Gibraltar 2-0 in June 2019, some 16 attempts ago, and belatedly launched their Group A campaign after three defeats and two draws.

Callum Robinson on the attack in AzerbaijanCallum Robinson on the attack in Azerbaijan
Callum Robinson on the attack in Azerbaijan

Kenny said: “The win was overdue and 3-0 away from home in a qualifier is rare.

“That’s one defeat in our last seven games and that was a late Portugal goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, so I feel we’re improving all the time.

“We have undergone a change in system from March onwards and it suits the players that we have. We’re learning all the time and improving in our attacking play.

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“We got some criticism in the home game against Azerbaijan, but they were three great games (against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia last month) and I thought we performed well at times.

“And today was good to get the goals that give us a platform.”