KIERAN RICHARDSON

Last updated : 01 May 2005 By Editor

This ahead of West Brom's match against Arsenal on Monday.

KR:

"From the day I came here, everyone’s been up for this and confident we can avoid the drop," he says, aware that no escape from the Premiership’s relegation zone has required greater nerve than this. It is the kind of initiation a young volunteer out of United’s ranks, desperate to prove himself, would yearn for. "If you’re good enough, you’ll get your chance."

"My dad, Clyde, sends me a text me every morning, just a few words of encouragement to keep me going, something like, ‘Relax. Enjoy yourself. You know you have the ability. Just take your time.’

"I always listen to my dad, except when he talks about playing against Teddy Sheringham and banging in the goals, him and Teddy, before dad was released by Chelsea. But the message he sends me sets my mood for the day and on Tuesday I just knew that free kick was going in. The crowd went mad and I went mad as well. It’s the greatest moment of my career so far."

Robbo:

"I have no doubts about him.

"I like his attitude and his commitment. I’ve always liked him. He plays the game with lots of ability and he’s becoming a better overall player. Along with Kevin Campbell [the talismanic striker whom Robson drafted in at the same time], Kieran’s made a bit of a difference."