Robinson says Obafemi partnership a work in progress

Callum Robinson has challenged the Republic of Ireland to ensure they head into their daunting Euro 2024 qualifier against France on the back of a victory.

Ireland had hoped to emerge from their friendly double-header against Norway and Malta with two wins in their final games before competitive fixtures resume in March, but suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Norwegians in Dublin on Thursday evening.

It was the manner, rather than the fact of that setback, which gave cause for concern as Stephen Kenny's men turned in a toothless first-half display and, although they improved significantly, were made to pay for two defensive lapses.

Asked how important it was to finish off the year with a win in Malta, Cardiff striker Robinson said: "It is important because, when March comes around, we obviously have a massive game. You don't want to go into them with a loss and not getting a result on Sunday.

"But we know it's going to be tough again, like every game. We need to recover and hopefully we can get that win out there and go into March in a positive frame of mind."

Robinson was paired with Swansea frontman Michael Obafemi against Norway, and the fledgling partnership struggled to get going, particularly in an opening 45 minutes during which Ireland struggled to penetrate their deep-sitting opponents.

The former Preston and West Brom player said: "Me and Mikey, we haven't had the opportunity to play together.

"I think it definitely can work because we've got different qualities. He's quick, strong and gets in behind, and I'm more to feet and in pockets. I like to find people as well as scoring goals.

"We've got to play together a lot more for it to work, but second half we definitely combined a little bit and got closer, which helped."

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