He might not be a young starlet - but Paul Robinson still appreciates compliments.
David Pleat, summarising for BBC radio, singled out the defender in AFC Wimbledon’s 0-0 with Sutton United.
Robinson celebrated turning 35 on the day of the Sutton game, and was grateful for the former Tottenham boss's praise but quickly moved to laud his centre-back partner Darius Charles’ performance.
“That’s really kind of him, I appreciate that,” he said after the game.
“It’s always nice, however old you are, to get a pat on the back.
“To be fair though I thought Darius was exceptional alongside me, really good.
“He was so strong and has come back in the side and done really well.”
Rather than going in to his shell, the former Millwall man seemed to thrive on the physical challenge of a Sutton frontline led by the threatening Maxime Biamou.
Robinson revealed he relished the occasion played in front of a boisterous, mostly home crowd.
“I enjoyed the afternoon and enjoyed the atmosphere,” Robinson said.
“It was a typical FA Cup tie with the non-league team looking to take our scalp.
“They had a couple of chances early on as we adjusted to the surface and the speed of it.
“It was always going to be tough to make sure we were in the hat on Monday- that was our aim and we did it.”
Dons’ opponents will be revealed in tonight’s fourth round draw at 7pm, subject to the winner of the replay on January 17.
The experienced defender believes that whoever his team are pitted against in the next round will motivate them to win the return fixture at Kingsmeadow.
“Obviously you look forward to the draw and to see what it will bring,” he said.
“All that’s going to be is an extra motivation to get past Sutton in the next round and that’s the objective.
“We’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a tough game in 10 days’ time but we have another chance to get past them in the replay.”
