10 things you [probably] didn’t know about Portsmouth’s Gary Roberts

Portsmouth midfielder Gary Roberts has been in scintillating form so far this season, with six goals and four assists to his name in League Two already.

Ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated trip to league leaders Plymouth Argyle, where Pompey could climb into the automatic promotion places with all three points at Home Park, SHOOT decided to take a look at some things you may not know about Portsmouth’s star man.

Anfield beginning

The forward started his career off in Liverpool’s academy, playing for the Reds for a short while up until the age of 17.

Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and he continued his youth career with Welsh side Denbigh Town, before moving on to Bala.

A Blue at heart

Despite having played in Liverpool’s youth system, Roberts is a massive Everton fan and always tweets about the Toffees’ results.

Particularly now that Ronald Koeman has fired his side up the table, Portsmouth’s number 11 can’t stop letting his 7,300 followers know about it!

Celebrity birthday

Born on March 18, Roberts shares his birthday with pop-star Marvin Humes, TV Presenter Alex Jones and former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera!

A popular day to be born, it seems.

Terrorising Terrier

Now playing in League Two for Paul Cook’s side, the 5ft 10in talisman has in fact won promotion to the Championship with Huddersfield Town back in 2012.

In his four years at the club, Roberts ended up making 164 league appearances for the Terriers, scoring 31 goals in the process.

England international… sort of

Roberts also has caps for the England C team, which represents the country at semi-professional level.

He made four appearances for the side between 2005 and 2006 during his spell with Accrington Stanley, but was ineligible to play for them when he moved into the Football League.

Familiar face

Roberts has worked with Portsmouth manager Paul Cook before he arrived at Fratton Park.

He was part of the Chesterfield side that won promotion to League One in 2014 alongside Cook and assistant manager Leam Richardson.

Accrington achievement

Both Cook and Richardson were in the Accrington side that achieved Football League status in 2006, alongside a young Roberts.

In 2015, the pair resigned him for the South Coast outfit.

70-yard wondergoal

In February 2013, while playing for Swindon Town, Roberts scored one of the goals of his career, a 70-yard strike from his own half that lobbed the Tranmere Rovers keeper.

Tractor Boy

Roberts had a stint playing in the Championship with Ipswich Town.

During his year-and-a-half with the club, he made 54 league appearances and scored four goals, helping the side to eighth in his first full season.

Baths and brew

When on an away trip, Roberts often room-shares with left-back Enda Stevens.

According to Robbo, Portsmouth’s number three is one of the best at running baths and making tea!