Lee Robinson aims to be Rangers’ first-choice

Lee Robinson: Seizing chance. Picture: SNS

Robinson was given just his second start of the season against Hibernian last week after Steve Simonsen was banned for breaching betting rules.

But the 28-year-old clung on to the jersey for Friday night’s 2-1 win over Raith in Kirkcaldy after manager Kenny McDowall decided to stick with the Sunderland-born stopper.

Assistant boss Gordon Durie revealed after that Rovers victory – secured thanks to goals by Andy Murdoch and Kris Boyd – that “it’s up to Lee to lose it”.

However, Bell is back in training after six months out with shoulder trouble and could be just weeks away from a return to action.

Robinson, therefore, knows he will have to make his mark quickly if he does not want to let his place slip through his fingers.

He said: “I knew I was getting a game last week because of Simmo’s ban but you just don’t know what’s going to happen after that.

“It’s not the easiest of circumstance to come into the team, especially because he’s my mate. But that’s football and it happens. I just want to do as well as I can because I’ve waited a long time to get my chance.

“I was really happy to get another chance on Friday night. We did well and it was great.

“The gaffer has said it’s my jersey to hold on to now and I hope that is the case and I hope they are happy with how I have been playing.

“The last two games have been really positive and the lads have done great. I haven’t played as well as I can do but I think I’ve done all right considering I haven’t played in a while.

“Simmo has been doing well but we also have Cammy coming back and he’s been great for quite a few years.

“It will be difficult to keep hold of the jersey but if I do well I will be fine.”