Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Dundee striker heard he was to be ‘hit early’
DUNDEE new boy Zach Robinson has revealed his first taste of Championship football was an opponent’s threat to “hit him early”.
However, the AFC Wimbledon loanee insists the instruction from one Partick Thistle midfielder to a defender didn’t have the desired effect.
The striker’s signing was only announced two hours before kick-off last weekend but it was a quickfire debut for Robinson.
Unfortunately his cameo was too late to help the Dark Blues complete a three-goal comeback as they fell to a 3-2 defeat at home.
But he has vowed to relish the physical nature of Scotland’s second tier, starting with Raith Rovers today at Stark’s Park.
Robinson said: “I definitely embrace the physical side of the game.
“When I came on last week, the first thing I heard was one of their centre-mids saying to their centrehalf to ‘hit him early’.
“I was kind of surprised but he didn’t hit me – if you do, I am going to hit you back.
“So I enjoy the physical stuff but also the other side of the game, on the ball and bringing out my talent.”
Robinson’s first-ever visit to Scotland saw him playing for Dundee in the Championship less than 24 hours after arriving late on the Friday night.
And it’s a big move for the 20-year-old.
“I flew from London City Airport on Friday night straight to Dundee,” Robinson added.
“The gaffer picked me up and took me to the hotel.
“The next day I was on the bench. Obviously it wasn’t the desired result but sometimes just getting thrown in is what’s required.
“I had never even been to Scotland before so it was all a bit surreal. It all happened so fast so I didn’t have time to overthink it.”
He added: “It was a big decision as I have moved out of my home with my parents to live alone up in Scotland.
“It is a nine-hour drive and it is quite a change but I am embracing it, definitely.
“My family will visit which is very important for me.