Katie Robinson is keen to play her part in Albion’s push for honours after recovering from an injury which side-lined her for nearly all of her first season with the club.
The 19-year-old had only been at Albion for two months, having signed from Bristol City in July 2020, when she suffered an ACL injury in training last September.
After spending the rest of last season in rehab she is back to full fitness and hopes to add to her three appearances this campaign – which included a start in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Charlton – when Albion host unbeaten Tottenham in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League on Sunday.
“It was very tough at times, especially the first three months of rehab being stuck in the gym knowing that I wouldn’t be on the pitch for a long time,” she said. “Mentally it was difficult, and I really had to focus on the positives.
“It has taken a bit of time to get back up to speed in training and games again. When you are out for the best part of a year match fitness is what you lose the most but I feel in a good place.”
With Albion back in action again on Wednesday, when they get their Conti Cup campaign underway against Birmingham City, Robinson is likely to get another opportunity to impress head coach Hope Powell.
“It was a tough time for Robbo last season, especially as she had just come to the club,” said Powell. “But she’s worked hard to get fit and start challenging to play more minutes. She’s got pace and wants to commit defenders so she can create space and opportunities for others. We’re really looking forward to seeing her development over the next few months.”
Tottenham arrive at the People’s Pension Stadium second in the table on goal difference and boasting a 100% record after four games.
Robinson added, “For us it’s about delivering a consistent performance, minimising unforced errors when we don’t have the ball and having more quality on the ball when we do, certainly in the final third. If we get those things right we can definitely get a result.”
Read the full interview with Katie, as well as features with Megan Connolly and Kayleigh Green in today’s match programme, on sale at the stadium for just £2.