Striker looks ahead to local derby
Shrewsbury Town striker Tyler Roberts has admitted that he always felt he was capable of scoring goals as he looks to add another against Port Vale tonight.Roberts has scored four times, including in last weekend’s draw with Chesterfield, and got four assists since joining on loan from West Bromwich Albion in January.
Roberts had started the season with Oxford United and failed to score in 14 league games for the U’s, but he was always confident of making an impact at this level.
“I believed that I would get goals,” Tyler told ShrewsWeb.
“I didn’t know how many, but I am happy with how it has gone. I think game time was a massive thing for me and for the Gaffer to trust me and put me in the team near enough week in week out has been good as well.
“I think I’ve learnt more coming on loan than I ever thought I would and playing against older pros and being in that environment is massive for me.”
Tonight’s game against Port Vale will be Tyler’s first local derby since he joining Town and he is expecting a difficult game.
“They are obviously a good side”, Roberts said.
“They are strong, they’ve got some good players and they can score goals. We know they’ve got a big pitch and there’s going to be spaces where we can get on the ball in behind, so it should be a good game.
“Hopefully, the game can be open and we can get me into pockets and we can our wingers into positions where they are good.”
Big things are expected of Roberts, who has already appeared in the Premier League for Albion, but for now he admits that he is really enjoying his time at the Greenhous Meadow.
“It feels really good here", said Tyler.
“The vibe’s great and everyone – the fans, gaffer and teammates – have taken to me well, so I’m just happy to be here.
“Me and the Gaffer have had a few serious chats about how I can give more on the pitch and what more to do on the pitch, and it has definitely helped me and it is a massive learning curve.”