USA soccer writer Kristian Dyer has tipped Hereford-based Carl Robinson to become a successful coach.

Robinson is only Welshman playing in Major League Soccer.

The former Welsh international has just signed a new two-year deal with New York Red Bulls.

“Robinson’s taken on more of a leadership role and he is one of the best locker room voices the club has ever had,” said Dyer, who covers the Red Bulls for the league website, MLSSoccer.com, and is a sports columnist for the daily Metro New York.

“I could see a future for him as an under-20 coach because of the character and class he exudes.”

Dyer added: “Robinson, in my view, is pure class. A chronic knee problem sidelined him last season but he worked hard.

“I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a player go through physio so dedicated. He’s hard working and vocal, something the Red Bulls needed coming off a bottom of the table finish in 2008. Most importantly, Robinson is a leader and a mentor on the field with the younger players."

Read an in-depth feature with Carl Robinson in tomorrow’s Hereford Times.