GRAHAM Kemp paid a glowing tribute to midfielder Andy Robinson ahead of his side’s crucial league test with Arlesey Town at the Avenue today (3pm).

The former Southampton and Bolton Wanderers’ midfielder, who joined the Magpies on non-contract terms in October, will play his final game for the club against the Blues before joining Gosport Borough, and linking up with former Southampton academy manager Jason Dodd at Privett Park..

Speaking about the 22-year-old, the county town manager told Echosport: “He is a great lad and there are certain people you hope make it in football, he is one of those because he is a genuine guy.

“I thought we would have him for about a month and we have had him for three months. He is looking to progress his career and move back up.

“Robbo and I knew the score at the start, he has been playing for peanuts and we have had a player of good calibre.

“Jason Dodd was his manager at Saints when he was in the under-18s and made him the under-18s’ captain. He has just gone to Gosport so it was obviously a no brainer for him to ring Andy up and ask him if he wanted to go there.

“It’s the next step up the ladder for him and he goes with our blessing.

“What I would say is I think it’s been an eye opener for him having played academy football most of his life.”

Robinson is set to take his place in the squad for the final time against Arelesey, who are currently level on points in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division standings with the Magpies. Dan Woodward is hopeful to be back available for the hosts.

Goalkeeper Shane Murphy is set to remain in the starting XI ahead of Alan Walker-Harris, although Kemp ensured the experienced stopper is still part of his plans.

He added: “Alan is still part of the squad but Shane has played two games and, in my opinion, hasn’t really put a foot wrong. He will keep his place on Saturday if he is available.”

When asked about today’s clash with the Bedfordshire outfit, Kemp, who had the Blues watched when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Weymouth last month, added: “There is no point in getting a point against Poole and not getting three points today.

“Hopefully it’s sunk in now that we are in a relegation battle, and you can set your targets as far as you want, my target is the next game.

“These boys have not got to enjoy their football for the rest of the year. They have got to get out there, put a shift in, get muddy and dirty, take cuts and bruises and get three points in any possible way and they have to do that today.

“A result against Arlesey is all important and I don’t care how we play. I really don’t care two hoots about how we play in the game as long as we get three points.”

Magpies: Murphy, Oldring, Smeeton, Gleeson, Walker, Dillon, Robinson, Lanahan, Odam, Crittenden, Smith, Walsh, Hanger, Allen, Brookes, Godfrey, Woodward, Walker-Harris.