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Robber stifles cry of surprise, finding small marsupial (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bandicoot

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'small marsupial' is the definition.
'bandicoot' can be an answer for 'marsupial' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'small' bit.

'robber stifles cry of surprise' is the wordplay.
'robber' becomes 'bandit' (bandit is a type of robber).
'stifles' is an insertion indicator.
'cry of surprise' becomes 'coo' (coo is an expression of surprise).
'bandit' enclosing 'coo' is 'BANDICOOT'.

'finding' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bandicoot that I've seen before include "native of Australia" , "Little animal" , "Australian marsupial with long pointed muzzle and tail" , "Insect-eating marsupial of Australia and New Guinea" , "Australian native" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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