CITY will not be disrupted by the Tyrell Robinson situation when they face Southend tomorrow.

That’s the claim of head coach Michael Collins after the winger was suspended by the club with immediate effect.

No details have been given behind the decision, which is understood to be over a non-football matter.

But Collins insisted it has not been a dressing-room distraction for the trip to Roots Hall.

He said: “The best way we can deal with it is in-house. We’re not going to give away the details of what’s gone on.

“We’re just focusing on Southend and that’s been the message with the lads.

“They are professionals and the way they’ve handled themselves, I expect nothing different.

“We’re professional people and have to get on with our jobs whatever the side issues. That’s what we’ll do.

“There will be no excuses going down to Southend, regardless of what’s happened this week.

“We had a disappointing result on Tuesday but the best way you put that right is go out on a football pitch and immediately put your marker down.”

Robinson came off the bench in the opening two league games and was named as a substitute for the Carabao Cup defeat against Macclesfield.

But Collins is confident City will deal with his absence – and stressed it had not put him off his stride just two weeks into his first season as a head coach.

He added: “I’m well prepared. I’ve been around the game, obviously in a different context as a player.

“I’m well aware of the different faculties that come with being a head coach. This is one of them.

“The club have made their statement and I won’t comment any further. This is all part of the job and you have to deal with it as it comes along.

“It gives the opportunity for somebody else to step into the fray.

“I look for the ones putting in the hard yards in training and pushing for a place in the squad. There are places up for grabs.

“We continue as normal while whatever happens. It makes no difference to how we prepare.”

Collins is anticipating an open contest against the Essex side, who have changed their playing style from before.

“It’s interesting because last season they were a big physical challenge,” he said. “This season they are more of a footballing side who look to play.

“They carry threats but like any team in this division, they’ve got areas you can capitalise on.

“We were bitterly disappointed by the result on Tuesday. It was a game we had earmarked to win. We wanted to win it.

“But there were certain elements that I saw progress in and we can build on.”