Robert optimistic about Saturday

Last updated : 05 February 2004 By Martyn Elliott

The Frenchman picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City but a scan revealed that the injury wasn’t serious and he now hopes to avoid sitting out any games.

"I have not ruled myself out for Saturday - it will be a late decision which I will make just before the game,” Robert told the Evening Chronicle.

"I am doing some work in the gym today after having made a lot of progress since the weekend."

Hugo Viana may be less than pleased about the news, but at least he has had the consolation of being assured that he will be in either Portugal’s full or Under-21 squad to face England in the upcoming friendlies.