Fourth goal in Wigan romp belongs to Callum Robinson says Preston North End boss

It was given as a Dan Burn own goal and certainly got a touch off the Wigan defender on the way in.

North End have officially registered it as a Robinson goal when submitting their match paperwork to the EFL.

And unless referee Lee Probert says differently in his report, it will go down as Robinson’s goal.

“The fourth goal was definitely Callum’s,” said Neil.

“The ball came across the front, Callum made a run and got a flick.

“If it hits the defender or not, it’s irrelevant – the ball was heading towards goal.

“Callum deserved his goal and he should get it.”

Robinson had found the net earlier in the second half, there being no dispute about that one as he slotted home a pass from Daniel Johnson.

Including his second which came in the sixth minute of stoppage-time, he has six goals for the season.

All have come in a purple patch of form since the start of September.

He scored seven goals last season and 11 the term before.

This is Robinson’s third campaign as a Preston player, having had three loan spells from Aston Villa previously.

Said Neil: “What Callum has done is take his game to a new level in terms of scoring critical goals.

“He has been fantastic for us and I’m delighted with how he has developed.”

Robinson, 24, is PNE’s only ever-present in league action this season.

He has also played once in the League Cup, scoring in the shoot-out exit to Middlesbrough.

Robinson is currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

They face Denmark on Saturday and then Wales next Tuesday in the UEFA Nations League, both games at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Last month, Robinson won his first two senior caps with the Irish, starting their games against Wales and Poland.

He is being strongly tipped to feature again in the double header.

Robinson has North End team-mates Sean Maguire and Alan Browne for company in Dublin – Graham Burke is on standby for the squad.

Maguire’s call-up comes despite him only making his return in the Wigan game from a two-month lay-off with a hamstring tendon injury.

PNE have been liaising with the Ireland coaching staff regarding his workload.