CARVE- UP TIME FOR CONNOR
Wales ace is big fan of hit ting the woodwork
MOST players hate hitting the woodwork – but not Wales international Connor Roberts.
The right- back has revealed he escapes from the pressures of football by practising his love of carpentry.
He will be back in action with Wales in Group B4 of the Nations League tomorrow against Ireland.
And when the Swansea defender returns home he will swap life at the top of the table for making one in his garage.
It is a different hobby to many other pros who love gaming and golf.
But Roberts, 25, is such an enthusiast that he is already making plans for a career after football.
He said: “When I get a bit of spare time I like to do woodwork and make things.
“I did a bit in school and now I am a footballer I have quite a bit of spare time. I do enjoy trying to dabble in that.
“When I do finish playing football I’ll probably try to look for a carpentry apprenticeship. I know a few in Swansea and they’d be more than happy for me to be their apprentice.
“I make all sorts and at the moment I’m halfway through completing a desk for a friend. When I get back from camp I’ll be cracking on with that.
“It was my birthday the other day and people weren’t sure what to get me. I said: ‘ you can never have too many tools’.”
Down- to- earth Roberts regularly posts his creations on social media and admits to spending a lot of spare time studying the skill.
The Neath- born star, whose club are riding high in fourth in the Championship after a good start to the season, added: “I watch Youtube videos and follow a lot of accounts on Instagram that make furniture, along with joiners and carpenters. I’ve picked up tips and tricks.
“I follow more joiners and carpenters on Instagram than I do anything that is football- related.
“I watch The Repair Shop – I love that. It’s another level. The people in that are professionals and are top notch.
“I also watch Homes Under The Hammer and Escape to the Chateau DIY.
“Not many footballers may do this kind of thing, and people probably don’t expect me to be doing it, but the feeling when you’ve made something and you’re really happy with it is class.
“I am a perfectionist, though, so when I’m making something it has to be right, otherwise, I’ll start again.
“I really enjoy making things like furniture.
“In the past I have made a gate for myself and for my mum, while I’ve made a few birdboxes for my partner.
“I made a bookcase out of reclaimed scaffolding planks and
I’ve built a workbench in my garage.
“If anyone has any spare wood I’d love to have it. It’s a good distraction for me.
“You need interests outside of football, and this is perfect for me. It keeps me busy and entertained and takes my mind off things.”