Barnsley FC boss Neill Collins addresses the long-term future of Middlesbrough FC keeper Liam Roberts
BARNSLEY head coach Neill Collins has revealed that retaining form keeper Liam Roberts on a long-term basis is something that the club would like to do in an ideal world.
Roberts had made an excellent impression since joining on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough ahead of the new season.
The Walsall-born player, who turns 29 in November, has made 44 saves in 11 matches this season, the most in League One.
Last term, the former Northampton Town custodian made just five appearances on Teesside, with the main part of his being back up to Boro loanee Zack Steffen.
With the Midlander in the last year of his contract, he has effectively played his final game for the Teessiders.
Collins, whose side visit Exeter City on Saturday where they will be chasing a fifth successive League One away win, said: “Robbo has been a fantastic addition and he’s made some fantastic saves – and in some games, I’d say too many saves for my liking.
“The other night in the first half (at Cambridge United), he had a couple of saves quite quickly that were important.
“With the other saves on the night, I expected him to make. His performance was very professional. He’s a great guy and very committed to being here and I think everyone is showing that kind of commitment. He’s doing really well.”
On the prospect of keeping him beyond this season, the Scot continued: “I think that is something we will discuss at a later point. Of course, when you are performing like he is performing, then certainly we’d think about wanting him longer-term.
“But right now, he’s obviously on loan and we respect that.
“If we are to go and pursue that, then we’d do it in the right manner.
“There’s no question that if someone wants to tell me that we’d have Liam Roberts for the foreseeable future (beyond this season), then we’d be very happy and I’m sure the fans would be very happy as well.”
Adam Phillips is back available following illness for the long trek to Devon and has been training this week.
But Kacper Lopata, Luca Connell and Robbie Cundy won’t be back until after the international break.
“Adam Phillips will be back in contention for selection (for Exeter). We have missed him as an option”, Collins added.
LIAM ROBERTS PREVIEWS EXETER AWAY
Our number one spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash against Exeter City.
ON MOOD WITHIN THE CAMP
“I think especially from Saturday to bounce back like we have, it’s certainly a positive. We just need to build on that and take it into the game on Saturday.
“We came into the game with a lot of frustration about Saturday’s result so, the quicker you can put it in the back of your mind. Better performance all-round and a lot of positives to take out of the game.”
ON CLEAN SHEETS
“That’s just not me, that’s the whole team in front of me. It’s not just the defence, it comes from the front. We’re a front foot team, a pressing team. Even the lads up top they’re doing their thing for us and scoring goals as well. As a team, we’re doing well.”
ON TEAM COHESION
“Including myself, there were a few chops and changes. A few people coming in, the gaffer, the coaching staff. They’ve also needed time to adjust. He’s had to find the team that works for him. The lads that have come out of the team, they’re disappointed. The players that have come in have done their job. There is competition for places everywhere which is the most important thing for us. It starts on the training pitch, day in day out, putting the work in. Ultimately, people are going to be disappointed when they’re out of the team but it’s your job in the team to keep that shirt.”
ON EXETER CITY
“It’s a tough place to go. They’ve started really well themselves so. They’re a pro-active team, they like to play football and they’ve done really well at home so it’s going to be a tough place. Stay consistent from Tuesday night.”
