Robinson backed by Banks to earn recall

England's greatest No 1 says coach Capello should take the former Leeds star instead of youngster Joe Hart.

Robinson, capped 41 times, has been in the international wilderness for two-and-a-half years since a disastrous Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

But Banks insists his experience will be essential in the cauldron of a World Cup finals – even though 23-year-old Hart is arguably the England man in form.

"Robinson has had a decent season," said the Sheffield-born hero who picked up a winner's medal in 1966 and played 73 times for his country until a road accident ended his career.

"Blackburn haven't done all that great, but when I've seen him play, he has done well. He has had to.

"He might have let in a goal or two in the games I've watched. But from what I could see, none of them were his fault.

"He has not done too bad and he deserves to be back in with a shout."

Banks believes the goalkeeping choice for South Africa is a teasing one for Capello with none of the candidates a clear favourite for the job.

Speaking at the launch of England "Pride, Passion, Party" merchandise ahead of the World Cup, he continued: "The problem for the manager is that there hasn't been anyone in goal who has been really consistent.

"No-one has been standing out and that is something Mr Capello will be concerned about.

"I like Hart very much but it would be very hard for a manager to take a risk on employing someone at the World Cup finals who has never even started a game for England.

"Personally, I would take Robinson in place of Hart because he has got the experience. He would be calm walking out for a game and that is important on the world stage."

As ever, injuries will play a part in the squad selection for Capello, with the fitness of Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott, Wes Brown and, to a lesser extent, Wayne Rooney needing to be taken into account.

Barry is believed to be the major concern.

Such a key figure in Capello's teams since the Italian was installed as Steve McClaren's successor in December 2007, Barry will only be discarded if there is no possibility of him being fit for South Africa.

"Pride, Passion, Party" is a range of England merchandise aimed at getting fans in the party mood for the World Cup and is manufactured by Amscan UK.