Connor Roberts Ready For Step Up As Swans Wait For Reinforcements

Connor Roberts of Swansea City thanks away supporters during the FA Cup match at Wolves. Pic: Getty Images.

Connor Roberts Ready For Step Up As Swans Wait For Reinforcements

Connor Roberts is aiming for a Swansea City debut at Newcastle on Saturday as the club continue to consider a move for Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks.

Roberts, 22, made his first team bow in last week’s FA Cup draw at Wolves and could be the solution again for manager Carlos Carvalhal with Kyle Naughton suspended and Angel Rangel out injured.

The Swans are anxious to strengthen their full-back options in the January transfer window and are keen on Championship defender Fredericks, who has been rated at between £3m and £5m.

The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Tottenham and made his first-team debut against Hearts in the Europa League in 2011. He arrived at Craven Cottage in the summer of 2015 from Bristol City and is out of contract at the end of the season.

But until any deal is agreed it appears that Roberts could well be asked to step up for Premier League duty.

The Neath-born player, who progressed through the academy ranks at the club, is hungry for another opportunity to impress Calvalhal this weekend.

“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 enjoying 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.”

 

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