Express & Star

Walsall's Roberts hails late father as inspiration

Walsall’s Liam Roberts has hailed his late father as his inspiration as he prepares to face Charlton today.

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The goalkeeper produced a string of spectacular stops to inspire Jon Whitney’s side to a 2-1 victory over Oxford last weekend.

That performance is expected to see Roberts keep his place as the Saddlers take on Charlton today.

And the shot-stopper revealed he is determined to maintain his impressive form as he continues to work to make his father proud.

“I have been through a lot of hardship in my life,” Roberts said.

“Between five and six years ago I lost my dad in a car crash. I was 16-years-old at the time.

“He is my personal inspiration. I want him to be proud of me. Hopefully I’m starting to do that now.”

Roberts began the season as back-up to Mark Gillespie before forcing his way into the team.

But a hamstring injury then hampered his progress with the youngster initially making his come back on the bench before he was restored for the Oxford game.

“My hamstring tear came at an horrendous time for me really because I was in the team and enjoying a good run of form,” Roberts continued.

“It was unfortunate but I just had to get myself back fit and try and prove to the gaffer I deserved to be put back in.

“I was very grateful he gave me another chance against Oxford.

“It was great to get back in the side and see I haven’t lost that form I was showing before.”

Alongside Robert’s heroics, Erhun Oztumer grabbed a goal and and assist in the win over Pep Clotet’s side.

And the goalkeeper admitted ‘Walsall’s Wizard of Oz’ is a joy to play with.

“Erhun is ridiculous,” he added.

“He is very hard to read. He has no back-lift when he is shooting. You need challenges and in training it’s a great challenge for me stopping him from scoring.

“But his work rate is also outstanding. Technically he is unbelievable.

"But it’s the other side of the game that matters as well. He works his socks off to help out the team defensively.”