Roberts eyes Premier League chance

10th January
First team

​​​​​​​Connor Roberts hopes to land a Premier League chance when Swansea City face Newcastle at St James’ Park this Saturday.

The 22-year-old made his long-awaited senior debut for the Swans last weekend, playing 90 minutes during the goalless Emirates FA Cup draw against Wolves.

And the Neath-born right-back, who progressed through the academy ranks at the club, is hungry for another opportunity to impress Carlos Calvalhal this weekend.

Carvalhal looks like having a vacancy on the right side of defence with Kyle Naughton suspended and Angel Rangel an injury doubt for the trip to Tyneside.

“It would be incredible if I am given the chance to play on Saturday,” Roberts said.

“Every boy dreams of playing in the Premier League.

“My first game for the Swans last weekend was a huge moment in my career and I was happy with my performance against Wolves.

“Hopefully I can now kick on and build on that in the coming weeks and achieve my next goal, which is to play in the Premier League.

“I feel I am in contention. I just have to wait and see if the gaffer chooses me. I know I am doing all I can in training and hopefully I can get on the pitch on Saturday.”

Roberts was on the Swans bench at Bournemouth last season, but his only previous senior appearances until last Saturday had come while on loan at other clubs.

He impressed during a season-long stint at Yeovil, while he has spent time with Bristol Rovers and most recently Middlesbrough,

And having returned from Boro earlier this month, he is loving life back at the Liberty.

“I have grown up with Swansea and have been with the academy since I was a kid, so it means that little bit more to play for the team you have grown up supporting,” he added.

“No-one has really come through the academy and played regularly since Ben Davies. It means a lot to have the chance of pulling on the shirt and playing for the first team.

“If it happens again this weekend, it would be a proud moment for me and my family.”