Connor keeps his feet on the ground

​​​​​​​Connor Roberts is keeping his feet on the ground as he bids to establish himself as a first-team fixture at Swansea City.

Roberts has been presented with a commemorative ball by the Premier League having come through the ranks at the Liberty to make his top-flight debut.

The local lad has enjoyed a sparkling 2018, making the breakthrough with the Swans after returning from a loan spell at Middlesbrough and then landing a first senior Wales cap.

But Roberts is not about to get carried away despite a memorable spell in his young career.

“I will always remember my Swans debut and I hope I can make it the first of many Premier League games I play for this club,” the 22-year-old said.

“A lot of people have congratulated me on what I have achieved over the last few months, but there is still lots more to do.

“I was given a huge chance by Carlos Carvalhal after Christmas. I will be forever grateful to him for that and hopefully in the future there will be many more times when I am called upon.

“I don’t want to get too overhyped or happy about it because things can go the other way in football.

“I hope I can keep on training with the first team and make more of an impact when I am given another chance.”

Roberts, from Crynant, made his first Premier League appearance in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in January.

He has made a total of eight first-team appearances to date, and was a regular in the Swans’ run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Roberts’ top-flight debut was acknowledged as part of a Premier League initiative to mark the achievement of homegrown players featuring in the competition.

Each player receives a cased matchball containing a plaque engraved with their name and details of their first match.

Michael Bridges, club support manager for the Premier League, presented Roberts with the ball at the Swans’ Landore training ground.

“Any Premier League debut is a great achievement, but for a homegrown player like Connor to be recognised at the club he grew up with is fantastic,” Bridges said.

“We hope Connor will go from here and make many more Premier League appearances for Swansea City.”