Robertson focused on Cardiff after Socceroos setback

Australian midfielder Alex Robertson scored six times last season in Cardiff's promotion winning campaign. [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Cardiff City midfielder Alex Robertson says missing out on a place in Australia's World Cup squad was "tough to take", but insists his full focus is now on helping the Bluebirds build on last season's success. Twelve months ago, Robertson's Cardiff future appeared uncertain. The 23-year-old was left out of the matchday squad entirely until late October and faced a battle to establish himself under manager Brian Barry-Murphy. Fast forward a year and the midfielder looks set to play a leading role as Cardiff prepare for their Championship return. "I'm playing. I'm involved. This time last year I wasn't," Robertson said. "So obviously things have changed. I just want to give my best for the club, the team and the staff that put so much work in every day." Robertson may have felt unfortunate not to earn a World Cup call-up after an impressive campaign in which he made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering nine League One goal contributions as Cardiff secured promotion. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, however, he returned from his summer break refreshed and determined to kick on. "I had a few weeks off and then came back in ready to go," he said. "It was probably better that I didn't have as long a break because I was still fit." The former Manchester City academy graduate's response has underlined his growing importance to the Bluebirds. After being utilised in several midfield roles last season, Robertson now appears a natural candidate to fill the vacancy left by Ryan Wintle' departure at the end of last season. Many Cardiff fans may have been worried the void would be hard to fill, but it appears Robertson has brought new dynamism to the role. His increasing influence has been evident throughout pre-season. Robertson has featured in every friendly and has even worn the captain's armband, highlighting the trust placed in him by Barry-Murphy and his coaching staff. Versatility remains one of his greatest strengths, and the three-cap Australian says: "At Manchester City when I was younger, it was the same formation as now," "I played as a six, an eight and a 10. I kind of learnt when I was younger to play every position in midfield, so wherever I'm asked to play, I'll play." Robertson signed for Cardiff from Manchester City in August 2024. [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Robinson says Cardiff should take self-belief into the new campaign. "We're in a good spot," he said. When asked what Cardiff could achieve this season, he added: "No one really knows. "But we've got to be confident as a team and just keep building on each game. Find the good bits, find the bad bits, analyse them and work on them every day in training. "We've got a great side, a lot of young players who just want to do their best and show the fans what they're about. Hopefully we can do that again this season... we've just got to keep building on what we have been doing." If Cardiff's final pre-season outing is any indication, there could be plenty of reasons for supporters to feel encouraged. The Bluebirds produced an eye-catching performance to dismantle Italian giants Roma 4-1, capping their summer preparations in style. "We played the way we've been working on all pre-season," said Robinson. "Everyone knows they're a great side, a great club with a lot of history. But I feel like today we looked past that and just thought it was another team we were playing against. "We did really well as a team. We've just got to keep pushing on from that because there were a lot of great things in the game to build on." Whatever challenges await Cardiff on their return to the Championship, Robertson's journey over the past 12 months suggests he is now at the heart of the south Wales club's next chapter.