'It makes the hairs on my neck stand up'

Connor Roberts hopes for another chance to pull on the Swansea City shirt when Carlos Carvalhal’s side go to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

Roberts has played every minute of the Swans’ Emirates FA Cup run so far having been handed an opportunity to impress by Carvalhal.

And the man who hails from Crynant in the Dulais Valley is savouring his first-team baptism.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to wear the shirt,” Roberts said.

“When the crowd sing my name and that ‘he’s one of our own’, it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“It’s been a whirlwind month for me. I wasn’t playing much at Middlesbrough. Then I came back from my loan and the gaffer gave me a chance.

“I think I have done well – I have been pleased with my performances. Hopefully that will continue if I am given a chance on Saturday.”

Roberts has been on the Swans’ books for over a decade.

He played 90 minutes for the club’s development squad on Monday, but is likely to return to the first-team fold in Saturday’s fifth-round tie at Hillsborough.

Roberts played four times while on loan at Middlesbrough in the first half season. He has also turned out at senior level while on loan at Bristol Rovers and during a very successful season-long stint at Yeovil.

Now the 22-year-old has fingers crossed that he will make the grade at the Liberty.

“At one stage last season we didn’t have a senior right-back available and I was a bit disappointed not to be thrown in by the previous manager,” Roberts added.

“But the gaffer now has shown faith in me and I will always be grateful for that. I think he spoke to Alan Curtis and people around the club.

“Hopefully I can cement my place and get many more minutes under my belt.”