Roberts aiming to prove a point after sealing Notts County return

CAL’S COME ON SO FAR

Callum Roberts admits it is tough to leave Scunthorpe United but he wants to show he can cut it at League One level at a club he knows well.

The 29-year-old has returned to Notts County for a second spell four years on from his departure to Aberdeen and just days after the club secured promotion through the League Two play-offs.

Dubbed the ‘Geordie Messi’ by Magpies fans, he was a key part of their side that went close to National League promotion.

Roberts has been a stand-out performer for Andy Butler’s Scunthorpe this season having helped them to win the National League North play-offs last season. He leaves having scored 42 goals in 94 appearances for the Iron – and he’s determined to show Notts fans how far his game has grown.

GOOD SHOUT: Callum Roberts is jumping to League One after impressing for Scunthorpe

PICTURE: Dan Haswel

“It’s going to be a challenge but it’s a challenge I am looking forward to,” Roberts told BBC Nottingham. “There might be people out there who write us off, that’s fine.

“They can doubt us all they want. I know I’ve got to work harder than ever, get fitter, get stronger and if I do I’ve got no doubt my ability will be good enough to compete in the league. I’m really excited.”

And he thanked Scunny fans in an emotional message on social media – while backing them for a Football League return too.

“I am so happy we managed to get a promotion and it makes me proud to know I’ve left the club in a better place than when I joined,” he said. “I hope the club gets back in the EFL in the near future as that is where it belongs.”

Notts director of football Richard Montague said the club have been keeping a close eye on Roberts in recent seasons.

“In that time, Cal has looked like the League One player we all knew he could be and we’re excited to give him the opportunity to prove himself at this level,” he said.