Hope Powell believes Katie Robinson could have a bright future at the highest level after receiving an England call-up this week.
A few days after scoring her first WSL goal in Albion’s 2-1 win over Reading, the 20-year-old was named on standby for England’s forthcoming internationals against United States at Wembley next Friday and Czech Republic at the Amex on October 11.
Powell said, “I thought it would happen sooner or later but it is a bit earlier than I anticipated. I got a call from [England coach] Sarina Wiegman to tell me Robbo would be on standby and there is no doubt that she is a talent.
“We sent her out on loan to Charlton last season to get her those minutes she needed, and she has been really sharp since coming back for pre-season. She is still learning but she offers something different. She is quick, likes to attack players, is a turner and dribbler and with her pace she would be an asset for any team. If she gets a chance she will take it and I think in the future she has the potential to do really well.”
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Albion are back in action on Sunday when they open their Continental League Cup campaign against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s and Powell wants to see an improvement from her team despite last Sunday’s 2-1 win over Reading in the WSL.
“We made too many unforced errors and didn’t do the basics as well at times,” she said. “The players know that if we’re to do well in the league we’ve got to do a lot better in possession and that is something we have worked on this week and hopefully against Birmingham we perform better than we did on Sunday.”
Powell confirmed that South Korean midfielder Yeni Park will make her debut but with three players injured there isn’t the usual opportunity for Powell to make many changes.
“Yeni has done well in training and will start. We can’t make the changes that we’ve made in the Conti Cup in the past because we’re light on numbers. But it does mean they get an opportunity to gel and play together more.
“Birmingham are a decent side. They have still got a lot of players with WSL experience and they are aggressive and play on the front foot. I see it being a very competitive game.”