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Callum Robinson: West Brom's early pursuit lured me

Callum Robinson says the groundwork Albion put in place trying to sign him in the summer was key to him joining the club last month.

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Callum Robinson of West Bromwich Albion applauds the West Bromwich Albion Fans at the end of the match (AMA)

The former Preston North End man spoke to the Baggies about a potential move back in July before ultimately opting for a shot at the Premier League with Sheffield United.

Having found himself in and out of the side at Bramall Lane, Robinson was determined to secure a loan move last month in order to cement his place in the Republic of Ireland squad for their European Championship qualifier with Slovakia.

And the fact that head coach Slaven Bilic is a long-term admirer made it easy for him to decide that Albion was the club for him.

“What happened in the summer was definitely in my mind when I signed last month,” Robinson said.

“They wanted me back in July when I went on to sign for Sheffield United.

“I wanted to go and experience the Premier League and I’ve played quite a lot in the Premier League this season. But I think anyone watching could see I was still learning.

“This, though, is a great opportunity to play games, especially with the internationals coming up as well.

“I’m not going to get into the squad sitting on the bench so I need to make sure I am playing and getting minutes.

“The manager wanted me here in the summer so it’s been easy to come into a massive club like West Bromwich Albion.”

Robinson’s loan agreement doesn’t include an option to buy – with Sheffield United believing the 25-year-old still has a future in Yorkshire.

And the player says as it stands, he will return to Bramall Lane in the summer with a permanent transfer to Albion having not been spoken about.

“We haven’t thought about that (a permanent move) at all,” he continued.

“Coming here, with the position the club is in, it is all about football.

“It’s not about signings for the summer, it’s all about the next game.

“I am signed to Sheffield United, as it stands I am going back there and hopefully playing in the Premier League next season.

“Things can change, you know what football is like, but that’s where it stands.”

Robinson has played on the left-wing in Albion’s victories over Luton and Millwall.

But he was deployed as a striker by Sheffield United.

For Albion, though, he says he is happy to play in any attacking role so long as he can contribute to the team’s overall success.

“I have played as a nine, I enjoy that and I enjoy it out on the wing,” he added.

“As long as I am in that attacking area, causing problems and helping the team – I am happy with that.

“The first couple of games I have been out on the left hand side and it’s been good. I’ve just tried to bring energy and something different to the squad.

“I just have to keep doing what I have been doing, keep my standards high – which I always try to do.

“We have got a lot of quality in the squad and I can see that and feel that when I am playing. It’s been good. I’ve enjoyed it.”