Payback time...

STEPHEN ROBINSON

ATHLETIC'S supporters are up there with the very best in the game - according to a witness who knows better than most.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill was at Rochdale to watch nearly 2,000 travelling fans offer huge vocal encouragement to their side - so much so, in fact, they invited a favourable comparison to the feted 'Green and White Army' who travelled to Euro 16 in the summer.

Stephen Robinson, O'Neill's assistant for that tournament, didn't stick around too long after the 1-0 defeat last week to salute the supporters.

DESIRE

But he says that was simply down to his desire to offer a few home truths about the level of performance on show.

And with Doncaster up next in a heavily discounted FA Cup first-round tie at SportsDirect.com Park, Robinson is keen that Athletic's players can give the loyal fans something to really shout about.

"The support at Rochdale was superb," said Robinson, who reports no injuries to his squad ahead of tomorrow's clash with the League Two outfit.

"Michael O'Neill was at the game as well and he said that is was as good as anywhere he has been, including the support for Northern Ireland at the Euros.

"You can't give more credit than that. They are not seeing wins at the moment, so the fact they have stuck behind the boys is great and I would love to see that same atmosphere at home.

"People have to come together to achieve the same thing. The fans have done their part throughout, including in other games like at Bury and even down at Gillingham.

"The players need to provide something back for them.

"I went down the tunnel at Spotland, but acknowledged the support we had. It was only because I was fuming with the result and wanted to tell people a few things.

"The boys know it as well and want to give them something to sing about. Create the same atmosphere at home and teams won't look forward to coming here."

Athletic will bid to hit the goals trail on home soil after drawing a blank in the last two outings which have followed the rousing 2-0 home victory over Scunthorpe.