Mark Lawrenson and Graeme Souness remember special times with ex-Preston North End striker Michael Robinson

Robinson died at the age of 61 on Tuesday after a long illness.

Lawrenson and Robinson played together at Preston North End, Brighton and Liverpool, as well as on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland.

They came through the youth ranks at Deepdale, Lawrenson hailing from Preston and Robinson living in Blackpool where his parents ran a hotel.

“Me and Michael go back a long, long way,” said Lawrenson. “I first came across Michael when he was playing for Blackpool Cricket Club against my cricket club in Preston. I actually got him out one day and I never let him forget that!

“It’s quite a funny story actually that Michael seemed to follow me around wherever I played.

“I signed for Preston and Michael did too.

“I then went to Brighton and after he had a spell at Manchester City he also came to Brighton – and at the same time he declared to play for the Republic of Ireland so we also became international team-mates. I remember at Liverpool one day when Joe Fagan asked me for a word in pre-season. I think we were in Switzerland and he said, ‘Do you know Michael Robinson?’

“I said, ‘Yes, because he’s followed me wherever I have been.’

“Joe said, ‘Well, he’s followed you again because we’ve just signed him’.

“We used to call him the ‘Cat’ in the dressing room at Anfield because he was light on his feet, that typical dressing room humour, and he absolutely loved it and was one of the lads.”

Graeme Souness, who played with Robinson at Liverpool, said: “He was a close pal of mine and I’m absolutely sick for his family. It’s a sad day for me.

“My friendship started with him when he first joined Liverpool, we used to go to the Top Hat on a Thursday night for dinner, his wife and my wife as well, then obviously we became great pals at Liverpool.

“He wasn’t a superstar but he more than helped us in that year we managed to do the treble, he played a big part in that, and he was good round the place, he was very popular.

“I’ve got so many fond memories of being in his company. If you were going for a night out, Michael would be the first one you’d invite – a real charming man, bon viveur and he could tell great stories.”