Sligo sign Phillip Roberts ahead of 2016 season

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of striker Philip Roberts ahead of the 2016 season.

The 21-year-old had been on trial with the Bit O'Red following his release from Scottish Premier League side Dundee last year.

The former Ireland underage international played 78 minutes last Saturday against north-west rivals Derry City.

“Phil impressed me with his performance in the game against Derry City on Saturday and with how he did in training before that with us,” manager Dave Robertson told the club's website.

“Something he will definitely bring to us is pace and power. He can be a threat to teams in behind. One thing that has impressed me is that it hasn’t taken him long to get to grips with our way of playing.

“In the game against Derry he translated exactly what we had been doing in training. And with some more work he will be a very good signing for us. He’s also another player who has had a very good upbringing in the game with having spent a few years at Arsenal when he was young.

“When he left there at a young age he got to play senior football early under Terry Butcher at Inverness. He has got some good experience since then with Dundee most recently. And on top of that he has played underage international football with the Republic of Ireland so he has gained some good experience.

“Despite that he is just 21 years old and he really fits the profile of what we want to do here. He is at a good age in his career and I am really pleased to have him with us.

“I think [he and Jaanai Gordon] have what it takes to form a good partnership. In addition to that there is some others in the squad he will work well with.

“Kieran Sadlier he has played with before for Ireland so they know eachother and have an understanding of how the other likes to play. They are also friends off the pitch. Even though we have a new squad there is a lot of commonalities between them and some good understanding of how they play".

Roberts added: “I have played with some players that are in the league from my time with Ireland underage sides.

“I’ve played with Kieran Sadlier so it’s good to be back playing with him and I’ve also played with people like Mikey Drennan, Brandon Miele and Sean Maguire.”

Speaking about his debut for Sligo, Roberts said: “I was really happy with how I performed in training and at the game at the weekend, though I would have liked to have scored a goal.

“But generally I was happy with how I done in helping the team and how I have blended in with the lads. The team plays good football which I like and hopefully it should suit me.”

Sligo kick off their campaign at home to Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, March 5^th and fans will be hoping that both Roberts and Gordon can hit the ground running.