James Robinson has come in for some stick for a paltry goal return this season, just one in the Hyundai A-League so far since his off-season switch from Melbourne Victory.

With injuries and suspensions starting to bite the Englishman was withdrawn to a deeper role in Saturday’s 4-2 triumph at Sydney FC.

He didn’t manage to find the net but put in a tremendous amount of work and fully contributed to his side’s unexpected victory, a win which gives them fresh hope of avoiding a wooden spoon that had looked inevitable for so long.

The man who famously steered the Victory into last season’s grand final with a late winner against Adelaide United has made a positive impression on the new Glory coach.

All teams have unsung heroes and while Robinson has not exactly had supporters on the edge of their seats with net-busting antics, he is a valued member of the squad.

Mitchell feels that Robinson’s contribution does not receive the credit it deserves and that sometimes you have to look beyond just the goals return.

He said: “The thing is a lot of people don’t see people who work hard.

"James works very hard for the team and is very underestimated as a player, I think from the fans and the media point of view.

"Whereas the players all love him because he works so hard for you. That (his graft against Sydney FC) allowed Billy Celeski to have a freer role and for us to play to feet.”

As for the player himself he has always believed that the Glory would come through their miserable spell.

Earlier this campaign he told au.fourfourtwo.com: “You don’t listen to the people who are having a go and knocking you.

"We are a tight-knit unit and we will come through this. People at the club have shown faith in me and you want to repay that faith.”

Robinson and his teammates now face a testing run in with their next three matches against teams currently sitting in top four slots.

However, they are at home on each of those occasions against Queensland Roar, Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United respectively.

Coach Mitchell said: “We’ve got to make Perth Glory’s home ground a big advantage for us.”