Connor Roberts eyes flying start

Connor Roberts feels he has to hit the ground running this season if he is to build on his first full campaign of senior football at Swansea City.

Roberts firmly established himself as a key player for club and country last season, but there is no risk of him sitting on his laurels.

And, ahead of Saturday's final pre-season friendly against Atalanta, the full-back knows how important a strong start will be for him under new head coach Steve Cooper.

“Its huge for me to start the season well. Hopefully, I will get the chance to play and build on last season," said Roberts.

“Personally, I just want to get in the team and start playing again like I was last year. Getting in the team and playing well is my main goal.

“Last season was a massive season for me and hopefully this season can be even better. For that to happen I must show the gaffer and the new staff what I can do.

“A few more goals and many clean sheets will be brilliant. Also, contributing solid performances with the team will make me happy.”

Having made his Swans debut against Wolves back in January 2018, Roberts has not looked back since that freezing cold afternoon at Molineux.

Last season, he made 49 appearances for the Swans in all competitions, netting five goals and contributing three assists.

He has appeared in all five pre-season fixtures and will look to be involved again when the Swans take on Serie A outfit Atalanta on home turf.

This will be the first game at the Liberty since the season ended and a new pitch was installed at the stadium over the summer.

And Roberts is excited at the prospect of being out in front of the the Jack Army, and predicts a tough test against their Italian opponents.

“I think the recent games were against teams not as good as Atalanta and not as good as us, but I still think we performed well," he said. 

"So it will be a good test against a team at a high level and who are now a Champions League team. They have got some very good players so it should be a good test for the boys.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing in front of the fans again, it will be good to get that home game feeling again.”