Robinson ready for fight

Robinson became No1 at Leeds in the summer of 2002 and went on to make his international debut in the defeat by Australia a year later.

Now he is ready for his next challenge and the forthcoming battle with Keller.

Robinson said: "I don't think anybody has a right to go straight into the starting 11 but obviously I have been bought for a reason. I've got to perform for the reason I've been brought here and hopefully I'll be in the starting 11. I've got big international ambitions and I'm hoping this move will further them."

Although Leeds only just avoided relegation last season, Robinson's form made him a target for other clubs Leeds accepted Aston Villa's £3m offer last summer but the player could not agree personal terms and he stayed at Elland Road for a campaign which ended in relegation.

He was poised to join Spurs at the start of this year but the deal collapsed when Tottenham's offer to buy the player and then loan him back to Leeds fell foul of Premier League rules.

Robinson added: "I could have joined in January but the plan was always to go back and spend the rest of the season with United. Unfortunately that couldn't be done in January. I'm just pleased I'm at Spurs now."

Westlife star Byrne has continued to watch the progress of his one-time team-mate - even to the point of there being a hint of envy.

Byrne said: "I watched him against Manchester United one day and I was quite jealous. I thought, 'I really wanted to be there in the No1 shirt.' I really miss it.

"We were always fighting for each other's place and I was better in some ways. When I saw him playing against Barcelona in the Champions League I thought, 'That could be me.'

"What's ironic is that most footballers want to be pop stars so perhaps the grass is always greener on the other side. I played with Leeds regulars Gary Kelly and Harry Kewell and I feel very proud of them and still see them."