In fact, the Birkenhead-born winger's only previous experience of near neighbours going head-to-head on the football field comes from his days on the Anfield Kop when cheering for his beloved Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

It is why Robinson is eagerly looking forward to today's West Yorkshire derby between United and Huddersfield Town at Elland Road in front of what is expected to be the Football League's biggest crowd of the season.

He said: "I can't wait. I have been stopped a few times this week by fans saying we have to beat Huddersfield. They are excited, and so am I.

"As a professional, these are the games you want to play in because the fans are so up for it."

Robinson, who is United's third highest scorer this season with five goals following his summer move from Swansea City, has started the last two games and is hoping a couple of solid displays will be enough to earn a starting berth.

If that is the case, it will end a frustrating wait for derby action for a player who arrived late in the senior game after starting out with Merseyside non-League team Cammell Laird.

The Leeds winger spent the second half of 2002-03 with Tranmere Rovers but made just one appearance in what was then known as the Autoglass Trophy before being released. He then joined Swansea City and spent five successful seasons with the south Wales club before moving to Elland Road.

Robinson said: "It was unfortunate in my time at Swansea that we never played Cardiff so I have never had that taste of derby football that every player wants.

"We were never in the same division at the same time, which was a shame because it would have been great to play in a game like that.

"Since I left, the two clubs have played each other in the league. I imagine it would have been a hot atmosphere because there isn't a lot of love lost between the two sets of fans.

"It means Huddersfield will be my first derby and I am sure it will be a feisty occasion. My only taste of derby games are as a fan of Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. So, I know a bit of what to expect because they were always enjoyable to watch – even when Everton won.

"Playing in a derby game is something I have always wanted to do and, hopefully, I will get a taste of it against Huddersfield."

Leeds go into the game full of confidence after the manner in which they performed against Derby County in midweek. Gary McAllister's side may have been knocked out of the Carling Cup at the fourth round stage but the consensus among even home supporters and officials was that United had been the best side seen at Pride Park this season.

Robinson said: "It was disappointing to go out of the Carling Cup like that, especially as we shot ourselves in the foot early doors by giving away two silly goals.

"But there were still plenty of positives. We showed great determination, we showed great character and we played some terrific football. I think we outclassed Derby who are a decent Championship team. And it was on their own patch."

Attention has, since Tuesday night, turned to today's visit of Huddersfield where the crowd is expected to eclipse the 33,010 that watched Derby's home games with Doncaster Rovers and Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

Robinson added: "There could even be as many as 35,000 there and in League One that is amazing. The fans do help. I don't know how many were at Derby but it felt like they had taken over the whole stadium. It will be exciting to run out in front of them.

"I am also looking forward to the game because Huddersfield have a couple of scouse lads in their side that I know so there has been a bit of banter.

"Ian Craney and Gary Roberts joined Huddersfield last summer and have done well. I know that, as a team, Huddersfield have had a disappointing start but I still believe they can get in the top six.

"Once they get a manager, they will kick on – though hopefully only after the game at Elland Road."