LIAM Roberts is pleased to be staying at Barnsley all season, which he says he always wanted.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has impressed on loan from Middlesbrough who were rumoured to be considering recalling him this January window due to international call-ups for other players. But the Chronicle understands the deadline to do so passed earlier in January, like with Luton and John McAtee.
Roberts told the Chronicle: “I always wanted to stay. I am playing football and enjoying it here.
“It’s a great club, a great fanbase and a great group of lads.
“January came, I didn’t hear any different, and I was always here. I am happy to be here.”
Despite fifth-placed Barnsley’s home loss to Exeter on Saturday, Roberts is pleased with the season so far.
“We’re in a position we want to be. The last time we lost was Derby away. This is a kick up the backside now to get another unbeaten run going. Momentum is massive.
“We can achieve something big. We have a great squad, gaffer and coaching staff. We will just keep pushing.”
The Reds now visit second-placed Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Roberts said: “Bolton are flying.
“It should be a great atmosphere.
“We will go there full of confidence and try to get a result. We will go into Saturday trying to repair what we’ve done against Exeter.”
Roberts made several saves in the first half on Saturday to keep the score down.
“It’s my job but I conceded two as well. I will have a look and see if I could do any better.”
Barnsley were 2-0 down at half-time then dominated the second half but only scored in the 88th minute.
“To a man we weren’t good enough in the first half. The intensity was low, the tempo was low.
“They kept getting on the second and third balls and we couldn’t get any momentum. They took their chances.
“Second half was a lot better and the subs changed the game but it needs to be a full 90 minutes performance.
“The second half epitomised what we’re about ≠ tempo, on the front foot, putting teams under pressure.
“We just left it too late and gave ourselves an uphill battle.”
