REBEL ROBINSON IS ON SONG

Azerbaijan 0 Republic of Ireland 3

VACCINE rebel Callum Robinson repaid manager Stephen Kenny’s faith in him by scoring twice as the Republic of Ireland won in Azerbaijan.

Kenny had been under massive pressure not to pick Robinson after the West Brom striker revealed last week he had not been jabbed against Covid, despite having twice contracted the virus.

But Robinson got his chance and took it, scoring two first-half goals in Baku to set Ireland on the way to a first Group A win.

Rotherham winger Chiedozie Ogbene added a late third as former Dunfermline boss Kenny celebrated a first international victory at the 13th time of asking.

Delighted Irish fans who had trekked out to Baku for an effectively meaningless contest broke into song to show support for Robinson, who has endured a barrage of online abuse after saying he’d no intention of being vaccinated any time soon.

‘Here’s to you, Callum Robinson, Ireland loves you more than you could know,’ to the tune of the Simon and Garfunkel classic rang out while the striker celebrated by plugging his ears.

Robinson, who rued chances not to claim a hat-trick, said: ‘That hurts. There were some good saves from the keeper. But I’m happy to get the win and it was nice to get on the scoresheet.’