Blaze coach: We need Robbo back.

Byline: Antony Hopker

COVENTRY BLAZE head into a tricky weekend with a question mark hanging over the fitness of defenceman Jason Robinson.

Robinson has a knee problem and experts have diagnosed two injuries. One he can wear a brace for, but the other might prevent him taking to the ice.

Blaze, sponsored by Coventry Plumbing and Heating, welcome Newcastle Vipers to the Skydome tomorrow night, keen for revenge on the beating that Rob Wilson's men handed out on their last visit.

"Newcastle just won't go away," said coach Paul Thompson. "They are a very different team to last year and are younger and faster. I think everyone expected them to drop off after a while but they are still doing well, even though they don't have a deep squad and are playing short."

Thompson praised the efforts of his weakened defence corps last weekend but said he hoped to get to full strength soon.

"We can draw on the English National League guys who are still learning their game, and put Danny Stewart or Russ Cowley back for a shift or two but we need Robbo back as he is very solid and puts in a lot of minutes," he said.

On Sunday Blaze travel to Hull, fresh from beating them 5-2 last weekend.