Robert - No Bottler!

By Kyle Braithwaite
September 10 2003

Laurent Robert, says he didn't bottle out of taking a spot-kick against Partizan Belgrade and wants a recall to the team on Saturday.

French winger Laurent Robert last night pleaded with Sir Bobby Robson for a first team recall.

Robert was branded a 'bottler' and a 'disgrace' by critics who claimed he had shirked the responsibility of taking a spot-kick on the night United lost their chance of playing in the Champions League, after losing to Partizan Belgrade on penalty’s.

However, Robert revealed he fully expected to be named as one of Sir Bobby Robson's five first-choice penalty-takers against the Serbians - only to be told to wait his turn by the coach.

Robert said: “There was one story which suggested I had taken my boots off because I did not want to take a penalty but that is simply untrue. I had strapping on my left foot and I just took my boots off to release the strapping and make myself more comfortable.”

He also added: "I was a bit surprised but I didn't say anything. The gaffer had already chosen his top five and that was it, I couldn’t change his mind.”

"It was ridiculous to blame me for losing that game but some people did. The problem is that Newcastle did nothing to defend me."