A 20-year-old man who admitted bashing an Indian student in Melbourne's west last year has told a court his actions made him feel cowardly and sick.

Shayne Casey Comensoli has pleaded guilty in the County Court to intentionally causing serious injury and robbery.

He and another man attacked 23-year-old Lucky Singh in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine in October last year.

Mr Singh was using a public phone when Comensoli and his friend started attacking him.

The court heard Comensoli held Mr Singh down and said "shut up you Indian."

He also admits he said "now it's my turn" and then he hit, kicked and kneed Mr Singh.

The pair left Mr Singh unconscious on the footpath and stole his wallet.

Comensoli has given evidence saying the attack was cowardly and sick and he is sorry it happened.