A talented young goalkeeper with a tremendous temperament who starred in Leeds United AFC's memorable UEFA Champions League campaign in 2001/2, Paul Robinson looks set for a fascinating battle for international supremacy with David James.

National team

Formerly an Under-18 and Under-21 international, Robinson made his full England debut in a friendly defeat by Australia at Upton Park in February 2003 having previously been included in a number of squads without ever being selected.

UEFA EURO 2004? qualifying

The goalkeeping duties in qualifying were shared between the two Davids, Seaman and James, meaning Robinson did not figure. With Seaman now retired, though, he is hoping to become James's official understudy – at least.

Club

Robinson kept goal for the Leeds side who won the FA Youth Cup in 1997 and made his full debut against Chelsea FC in October 1998. Life improved significantly after that as he showed huge potential when replacing the injured Nigel Martyn. He never got a look in the following season but took full advantage of an injury to his club-mate in 2000/1 with some truly outstanding performances. Robinson's incredible shot-stopping in the Champions League games won him widespread praise and Leeds a place in the semi-finals, where they lost to Valencia CF. He became the No1 at Elland Road ahead of the 2002/03 season and did not disappoint, playing each of the club's 38 Premiership games.

2003/04: Continually linked with a move away from financially stricken Leeds, Robinson was on the verge of a transfer window move to Tottenham Hotspur FC in January 2004 only for the €3m deal to collapse as the deadline approached.

Did you know?

In September 2003 he headed an added-time equaliser against Swindon Town FC in the English League Cup, which paved the way for a victory in extra time.

Paul Robinson took over from David James as England’s number one in the autumn of 2004 and played in nine of their 2006 FIFA World Cup™ qualification matches, keeping a clean sheet in six.

Began his career with Leeds United where, at 21, his calm and inspirational goalkeeping first brought him to prominence during the club's 2000/2001 UEFA Champions League campaign.

His confident displays secured him the England goalkeeper’s jersey and his performances for Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed his quality. Saved a penalty against Spain in a 2004 friendly match.