Roberts fired up and ready to go again

Fired-up Connor Roberts is eager to put together a strong run of form after marking his return to the starting line-up with a goal against Reading.

The 23-year-old scored Swansea City's second goal - his third of the season - to help them on their way to a 4-1 victory on New Year's Day.

The full-back had been rested for the previous game against Wigan and was straining at the leash to get back on the field at the Madejski Stadium.

It was a fine way to start 2019, on the back of a 2018 where Roberts established himself as a regular starter for club and country.

And, having been disappointed with his recent form compared to the high standards he sets himself, Roberts felt his showing in Berkshire was far more like it.

Which means that, as the Swans prepare to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup, the Wales international is more than ready to go again if called upon by manager Graham Potter.

“It was great to be back and to get my third goal of the season was an added bonus," he said.

“I have been a little disappointed in myself recently and hopefully I can pick my performances up.

“It fired me up. It means something to miss out on selection. Watching the Wigan game was hard. I just wanted to be out there helping the team.

“But you can’t let it affect you. I have been in this position a few times in my career where you don’t play. It is about how you fight back and I think I did that well with the goal at Reading.

“I have played a lot of football for club and country. It was nice to have a little break but I prefer to be playing. I just want to get back into it now and get back into a rhythm of playing.

“The more I do that, the more I will improve and get better and better.

“I want to be a part of every game, whether league or cup."