Roberts | 'We were all up for the challenge'

Tyler Roberts admitted he wasn’t surprised with how well Wolves under-21s performed to defeat Stockport County in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday evening.

The winger was a constant threat throughout and scored the second goal in the 2-1 victory at Edgeley Park, capitalising on a loose pass before driving towards goal and emphatically finishing low into the corner past Ben Hinchliffe. It was a result that secured a place in the round of 32 for the old gold, something both Roberts and his teammates were confident of doing heading into the game.

On the pre-match mindset

“Every week we’ve got to come out with full confidence that we’re going to get the result. For the last four games we’ve been excellent as a team and you can feel us growing, getting more comfortable in the new league.

“With the challenges that come with playing in the Papa John’s Trophy, I feel like the whole team had full confidence going into the game.”

On facing a different type of challenge

“It’s a completely different challenge to what we normally face but it’s a better one because it gets us used to that top level football and gets us used to it for the future.

“The physical difference between us and them is usually quite big but I feel like we dealt with it well and we still played our game. We knew how to counter them through the work that we’ve done before in training – it felt like the game plan worked.”

On being up for the battle

“We definitely grew into the game. As soon as we figured them out, I feel like we were more dominant until the last five minutes when they applied a little bit of pressure with the crowd behind them. Luckily, we managed to hold on to the win.

“We were all up for the challenge and we knew what we were coming up against. We knew it was going to be a physical battle and we were ready for that; I don’t think any of us shied away from it and we all got stuck in.”

On his individual performance

“I’ve just got to do whatever I can do to stay in the starting line-up. I feel like those performances are necessary.

“It should be a given, it should be every week. I need to keep it consistent just like that.”

On players making the most of their opportunity

“Certain players might not get as much game time and those who came in rose to the challenge. When they had to step in, they did their job, and they’ll get their opportunities in the future.”

On his first goal of the season

“I had the little look up to maybe pass to Chem (Campbell), but I thought the best option was to go for it myself, trust in my ability and put it in myself.

“I’m glad I did and I’m glad I got the goal. It gave me a lot more confidence.

“Chem’s run allowed the defender to drop off and it gave me a lot more room to drive into and because of that I got the goal.

“It’s definitely a relief to get my first goal of the season. I feel like it’s took a while, but I’m glad it’s come now. I’ve come very close a few times but close isn’t good enough sometimes – I’m glad to get my first proper one.”

On wanting more of the same

“I like these types of games where I can challenge myself against the older opponent because that’s where I want to be, that’s what I’m striving towards.

“Hopefully there are many more nights like these to come.”

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