Bryan Robson is convinced that the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Albion's first-team squad, as well as a few choice words, is enabling Martin Albrechsten to produce arguably the best football of his Hawthorns career.

The Danish international has been Albion's best outfield player during their last two Premiership fixtures and has resurrected a campaign that looked in serious danger of going off the rails.

Albrechsten has been in competition with Steve Watson for the right-back position throughout this campaign, but it looked as though he would be forced to play second fiddle after being dropped following the Wigan debacle.

He returned for the Carling Cup fixture against Bradford only to be sent off eight minutes from time, which ruled him out of contention again.

However, he was given another opportunity to prove his worth against Blackburn and has responded in style to his spell on the sidelines.

A solid performance at Blackburn was backed up with a tremendous showing against Arsenal last Saturday where his rampaging right wing runs were the catalyst for Albion's comeback.

Robson admits that he threw down a challenge to Albrechsten with the procurement of Watson and he is pleased with the response he has received.

"Martin has been playing well. At Blackburn he was by far our best player and he has been moving forward really well," said an upbeat Robson.

"That is good, as it shows me that he has got a good character. I put him under pressure by bringing in Steve Watson. Steve is an utility player who can play at centre-half or in central midfield, but he has played most of his career as a right back and has kept Martin on his toes. The competition is good for that position. Martin has responded in the right way.

"Chris Kirkland is the same. He came out in the press and said that he took my criticism on board.

Apparently I have even had some stick off Alan Hansen on Match of the Day who said 'how could I have a go at Chris Kirkland after his performance!'

"But I thought Chris could have done better for Arsenal's goal. However, his performance in the second half was outstanding, not only in terms of some of the saves he made, but he dominated his area as well, which was excellent.

"I like it when players respond in that manner when you have a go at them.

"You want them to be strong-minded characters and the sort of people who will say, 'I'll show the gaffer.'

"Martin and Chris were perfect examples of that over the weekend."

While Robson is happy for Albrechsten to keep on making him eat his words, he wants all of his squad to act like they belong in the Premiership.

Despite Albion having spent three of the last four seasons with the elite of English football, Robson is still concerned that a chunk of his players are still showing some of their more illustrious opponents too much respect.

When Robson switched his formation to a five-man midfield, it enabled Albion's engine-room to place a vice-like grip on Arsenal's artisans and he has called for a more fearless approach during the remainder of this campaign.

"I don't want to mention last season ever again," he said bluntly. "I want to get on with what we have to do this season.

"I still feel that some of our players have slight question marks about themselves. Do they have the real belief and desire to go and make their mark in a game?

"When Kieran Richardson was with us last season he had no fear and went for it, which sparked other players to do the same.

"I want our lads to make an impact in the game and spark something off to get the fans going.

"Whether that's a tackle, dribble or a great pass I don't mind. But whatever it takes, I want every one to make their mark and spark their team to play well.

"Albrechsten did that on Saturday with his surges forward. Okay, a couple of his crosses went behind the goal, but the fans love it, as he is being positive in the game. You have to make your own mark on the game as an individual and not wait for your team mate."

Robson also rubbished rumours circulating in at the weekend that claimed Ricardo Scimeca and Junichi Inamoto were on their way out of the Hawthorns.

The duo has made one appearance each this season, but Robson insisted they would be remaining at the Hawthorns.

"I don't know where this story has come from and I have had a few of the boys in this morning to chat to them because what was written in the national papers was absolute nonsense," said an annoyed Robson.

"We are still in the Carling Cup and we have got some big games ahead over the next month, so I am happy with my squad.

"The only person I have spoken to is Andy Johnson and he knows that he can go on loan. But the Coventry deal is dead and buried as far as I know and I haven't heard anything else."