SAM Allardyce believes Paul Robinson is ‘better than ever’ after Blackburn Rovers’ number one won the battle between England’s past and present.

While Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart gifted Nikola Kalinic the opener in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, Robinson produced a string of saves to leave the hosts frustrated.

The former Leeds and Spurs man retired from international football in the summer after being continually ignored by England boss Fabio Capello, but Allardyce insists it is now all about Rovers.

He said: “His performances never got him in the side last year and got him to the World Cup.

“His decision not to go back with England was because he wasn’t considered to be capable of playing in the team.

“If he was to go, he wanted to play so he’s decided not to do that.

“If that changes some way or other, that will be up to Fabio Capello to build the bridges and see whether he can or not.

“I just want to see Paul Robinson performing like he did today and making sure he helps us achieve more and more results.

"He is very comfortable with his game at the moment and very comfortable with himself.

“Obviously Bobby Mimms, his goalkeeping coach, has brought him on an awful lot.

“I think he has done an outstanding job in actually improving his game since he came from Tottenham.

"You can see that in his all-round performance today.”