PAUL Robinson is surprised by Blackburn Rovers boss Gary Bowyer’s decision to install teenager David Raya as his first-choice goalkeeper this season.

But Robinson has backed Raya, who he saw rise through the ranks at Rovers, to handle the responsibility.

The former England number one was speaking ahead of Friday’s 0-0 derby draw at home to Bolton Wanderers.

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Robinson returned to Ewood Park for the first time since his seven-year association with the club came to an end in the summer.

The 35-year-old, who is currently without a club, made 203 appearances for Rovers before losing his place between the posts to new signing Jason Steele in September last year.

But Steele is now having to play back-up to Raya after Bowyer placed his faith in the 19-year-old Spanish stopper.

“For me it was a surprise when Gaz put him in this year,” said Robinson on Sky Sports.

“Obviously I’ve not been around this year but when Jason Steele was brought in I thought he was going to be the automatic choice.

“But we know how good this boy (Raya) is. He’s a very, very good goalkeeper. He’s shown in it training and when he went out on loan to Southport last year when he made some fantastic saves.

“He’s very, very agile but for me, personally, I didn’t he was ready this year to go into the Championship.

“I’d have looked to have put him out loan, get a year under his belt, and then this time next year, he’d have been perfect.”

Robinson, who made his debut for Leeds United at the age of 19, added: “But there’s no substitute for playing games.

“You say a goalkeeper has to be experienced but how are you going to get that experience if you’re not going to play? He has to play – and it was the same with me.

“I was forced into the first team when I was 18 or 19 due to injuries. But he’s earned his way into the first team.

“It’s going to be a great learning curve for him. But he’s a confident lad and it’s not something that will faze him.”