IT will be a case of the split family Robinson when Sunderland enter the volatile surroundings of Ninian Park this afternoon.

Black Cats midfielder Carl Robinson was brought up just 40 minutes drive from Cardiff, is a Bluebirds fan, plays for Wales, his brother Lee works for the Bluebirds Academy and the rest of his family have supported City all their lives.

But Robinson is prepared to feel the wrath from his friends and relatives in a bid to secure the three points from Cardiff today that will keep Sunderland in touch with the leading two sides, Ipswich and Wigan.

In a strange twist of fate, the 28-year-old's recovery from a nose operation and the return to Birmingham of on loan Darren Carter means he is likely to find himself thrust back into action against his boyhood heroes.

Robinson has not played in the Championship since the win at Leicester on November 13 and he insists there will be no divided loyalties in south Wales this afternoon.

"Who all my friends and family will be supporting I don't know. All I know is my brother wants Cardiff to win. I haven't spoke to him this week and I don't think I will be before kick-off," said Robinson, who will not be going out for a meal tonight with his family as he is required for a club Christmas party tomorrow.

"Lee hasn't given me much team news but they are a strong side. I still watch for their results. It's the nearest professional club to where I am from.

"All I want to do is get three points for Sunderland. There will be eight or ten of my family there and they are all massive Cardiff fans, but I don't know where they sit."

Despite having spells at eight different clubs, Robinson has not played professionally for Cardiff, although he was close once.

During his days at Portsmouth he claims to have been approached by City but a deal feel through - something he admits has worked out for the best.

"When I was at Pompey I went out on loan four times and there was talk that I would move to Cardiff permanently. They were looking to bring Welshmen back and I was sounded out about it," said Robinson.

"I would have jumped at the chance of going back home but things didn't happen. Things happen for a reason. I am very lucky it didn't happen because I wouldn't be here at Sunderland."

Cardiff have won just one of their last six Championship matches, form that has seen them drop to fourth bottom and they hover just two points above a relegation place.

Lennie Lawrence's side have lost five at Ninian Park this season at a home that is renowned as being unwelcoming for opponents in a cauldron of hate.

And Robinson: "I thought they would have done better than they have. They should be pushing for a play-off spot. They have had a lot of injuries. They will finish strongly though I'm sure of that. It's not a nice place to go to Cardiff."

Now Robinson, after breaking his nose twice in successive games last month, is looking forward to returning to action. He said: "I needed the nose done. I was suspended for two games so it was an ideal time to get it done.

"No player likes being out but the players have been fantastic. It's important that we come back from last week's defeat to West Ham strong. '