The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Blackburn

Paul Robinson's bid to rebuild his career at Blackburn has suffered a setback after the former England number one was ruled out of action for at least two weeks with a calf injury.

Robinson, who has been displaced as England's first choice goalkeeper by David James, suffered the injury in the midweek League Cup win over Everton and must now be doubtful for England's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan at Wembley on October 11 and the trip to Belarus four days later.

Discarded by Tottenham in the close season, Robinson has bounced back with some impressive displays for Blackburn this season and Rovers boss Paul Ince admitted he would be missed.

"Paul was fantastic against Fulham last Saturday and made some world class saves. He is a man's man and wants to prove a point. So when he came off so early in the game on Wednesday you knew something wasn't right."

The timing could not have been worse for Robinson with his chances of regaining the England gloves having risen recently in light of his own strong form and some shaky performances by James for Portsmouth, who have conceded ten goals in their last two outings.