Kory Roberts building mental strength at Walsall
Walsall's Kory Roberts says he now has the strength of character to not let mistakes affect his game.
The 20-year-old is enjoying an impressive break-through season at the Banks's Stadium with the defender having featured in 15 games for the Saddlers in the 2017/18 campaign.
Roberts has impressed at the heart of Walsall's defence while playing alongside Jon Guthrie.
But he endured a difficult afternoon in last weekend's defeat at Charlton with the youngster scoring an unfortunate own-goal.
The centre-back is determined though not to let the mistake affect his confidence.
"I am building my confidence, getting stronger and becoming more mature," Roberts said.
"When I signed my first professional contract, I wasn’t as confident as I am now. I’m more talkative now and I understand I have to talk to the people who I’m beside.
"Even though I’m young, they still need the information from me.
"I've got to be confident and if I make a mistake, I just make sure the next thing I do is nice and simple and get on with it.
"I try to smile at things, get on with it and make sure nothing gets to me. I know if I do something wrong, I’m going to try to put it right and do the basic things."
Roberts made four appearances for the Saddlers in the 2016/17 campaign after making his debut at Oxford on New Year's Eve.
And he believes he has improved significantly as player since that game just over 12 months ago.
"I feel I have come on a lot better this season than last season," the defender continued.
"Last season I had a few shaky performances but I think this term I have been more consistent.
"It’s helped me with my game - my talking, telling the lads where to be, my positioning.
"If I'm with the U23s, I can then pass that on."
Despite the improvements he has made, Roberts knows there are still plenty of areas he needs to work on.
And he revealed growing up, Rio Ferdinand was the defender he looked too for inspiration.
"I am trying to get stronger and a bit bigger," Roberts added.
"I want to keep moving forward and doing the right things - just the basics, really, watching experienced players and seeing how they play.
“I looked up to Rio Ferdinand as I liked how composed he was on the ball. I try to play my own game but look for the right things to do off experienced players.”
