Sam Robson: Middlesex batsman cool on England speculation

Middlesex opener Sam Robson says he does not feel any extra pressure despite being touted to make his debut for England this summer.

Australia-born Robson has declared for England and impressed on the England Lions tour to Sri Lanka in February.

"I think I'm dealing with it alright. I don't feel any added pressure," the 24-year-old batsman told BBC London.

"I have had a good winter. I didn't put any pressure on myself there - I just go out and play and see how I go."

He added: "If I can perform well at the start of the year, who knows? I will just be trying to do well."

Robson hit three centuries while on tour with the Lions, with his unbeaten 147 in the third unofficial Test sealing a series victory for the touring side.

Earlier on in the winter the right-hander scored two tons for the England Performance Programme in Australia.

He says he is "lucky" to have had the experience with both the EPP and the Lions, but he is now focusing on making a strong start to the County Championship season rather than targeting full international honours.

"I'd not played any cricket in Sri Lanka so it was good experience to see what the conditions were like and be around the Lions set-up," he said.

"It was really helpful and really enjoyable.

"It is a big couple of months coming up but I haven't given it [England selection] too much thought, certainly not at this stage of the season.

"I've had a good winter and I'm happy with how it went. I think it helped my game but there are some very tough games early on and it is tricky to get momentum.

"If I can do well, score runs and have a good year personally then great. I'm aware of how tough these first few games are going to be."

Robson made his first-class debut for Middlesex in 2009 and scored 1,180 runs in the County Championship at an average of 47.20 last season.

He has previously represented Australia at Under-19 level but was able to play in county cricket as a non-overseas player because of his British mother.

Middlesex managing director of cricket Angus Fraser has recently become an England selector, but Robson has played down that link to the national side.

"I haven't given any thought to that," Robson said. "We all know as cricketers that runs and wickets are the currency that counts.

"That is what will talk at the end of the day."