Callum Robinson: ‘I’m not vaccinated at the moment, but further down the road I may change my mind’

Callum Robinson of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and Serbia at the Aviva Stadium

Callum Robinson of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and Serbia at the Aviva Stadium Credit: Timmy Keane (ETPhotos)

Seán O’Connor reports from FAI HQ in Abbotstown

Callum Robinson has spoken about his experiences with COVID-19, after testing positive for a second time last August, which saw him miss the triple header of qualifiers. 

Asked about his views on the vaccine, Robinson admitted that has chosen not to get vaccinated yet.

“The first time (getting COVID) wasn’t as bad as the second,” said Robinson when speaking to the media in Abbotstown ahead of Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier against Azerbaijan. 

“My smell and taste went. I had a bad chest this time, and it took a while to get back to full fitness.

“I think it’s your personal choice (on vaccination). It is what it is. I can’t tell people what to do. I’m not vaccinated at the moment, but further down the road I may change my mind. 

“I have missed caps for Ireland because of COVID. It’s obviously annoying but as I said, it’s my choice.” 

Robinson has started the Championship season in good form, with three goals and three assists in his opening ten games. The West Brom striker is hoping to make an impact in this window, having missed last months qualifiers after testing positive for COVID-19.

“I want to be involved in goals. Scoring, assisting and being a threat. The Championship is a very good level, and you may get four chances to score in a game. Its’ tougher at this level, you have to take your chance.

“Chances will be created and hopefully we can put them away. We’ve been working hard this week. We’ve analysed the last game and hopefully we can bring that into Saturday.” 



Robinson praised the impact of the younger players and appealed for supporters to stick with the team. 

“All the young players are coming through; Adam Idah did so well on the last trip, Aaron Connolly and Jayson Molumby did too. We’re all learning the new style of play. It’s difficult to transfer the tactics to international level. The main thing is to get results, but we are enjoying it.

“We’re going in the right direction. It’s hard for fans to see that with the results, but we feel it’s coming. We’ve played some great football along the way. For the long term, with the young players, learning from Stephen (Kenny) and Keith (Andrews) is the way forward. We’re only going to get better. I’ve enjoyed every moment since the gaffer came in.”