THE first person to tell Gary Roberts that he has not been playing well has been - Gary Roberts.The £220,000 signing from Accrington Stanley is well aware that his place is in jeopardy after two indifferent performances and knows he has to regain his form and fast.
By Derek Davis
THE first person to tell Gary Roberts that he has not been playing well has been - Gary Roberts.
The £220,000 signing from Accrington Stanley is well aware that his place is in jeopardy after two indifferent performances and knows he has to regain his form and fast.
Blues boss Jim Magilton has shown faith in the midfielder, who hit an outstanding goal in the 4-2 win against Sheffield Wednesday but was subbed at half-time in the Carling Cup loss at MK Dons on Tuesday, and Roberts hopes he can still get back to his best.
He said: “When I first came here I was playing well and then hit a bit of a wall so I know I need to get back to where I was.
“I have to show the gaffer I was worthy of a place in the team
“I came back early with the groin injury, which was my first real injury in the game, so it has been hard coming back.
“I have had a couple of niggles since then so I'm looking to get back match fit and a couple of goals like that will help.”
Roberts said: “I enjoyed the goal. As soon as it came over I knew I was going to hit it first time and that was probably as good a goal as I have hit.
“I caught one against Derby County that was sweet but everything around this goal meant I enjoyed this the most.”
Chances are he will not make the starting XI at Plymouth today with Sylvain Legwinski back fit, which could mean Owen Garvan shuffling over to the left side as he did in the latter stages on Tuesday.
There is also George O'Callaghan, who was outstanding in the reserves' 2-0 Champions Cup win on Wednesday night, and Jaime Peters pushing for a place, but Roberts is determined to keep the spot after Gavin Williams was sadly forced out again with injury.
If Roberts plays he will be up against a former childhood team-mate, Paul Connolly. They played together in a Liverpool Representative side.
The Pilgrims will definitely have to contend with Alan Lee, who has hit three goals in two games already this season.
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