Roberts hopes ‘ power of the tache’ helps fire Wales to Euro 2024
CONNOR ROBERTS hopes the “power of the tache” can help Wales to Euro 2024 play- off glory against Poland.
Roberts has embarked on long unbeaten Championship runs at Burnley and Leeds over the last two seasons after putting his razor away and growing a moustache.
The 28- year- old wing- back is now determined to avoid a close shave on the international stage and show off his new look in Germany this summer as Wales host Poland tomorrow for a place at Euro 2024.
“It’s just a little bit of a joke,” Roberts said of his facial addition.
“My wife [ Georgina] last year, she was like ‘ Why don’t you grow it?’ so I did and then we went on an unbeaten run at Burnley.
“I’ve done the same thing this year and keep asking her if I should shave it off. But she likes it so I’m leaving it there as she’s the boss.
“I think it’s played about 25 Championship games and never lost, so I hope that continues in the
Championship and maybe it gives us a bit of luck on Tuesday.
“It’s the power of the tache, isn’t it?” Roberts won the Championship title at Vincent Kompany’s Burnley last season but found Premier League game time this term difficult to come by.
So he headed out to Leeds on loan in January with the hope of creating more special memories for club and country.
“When I think of my personal journey, I’ve always looked for those moments,” said Roberts, who scored in a 2- 0 win against Turkey at the last European Championship.
“Again, this season, moving clubs was to achieve a moment, another promotion, hopefully. That is at the forefront of my mind.
“When all is said and done, if we can look back and say it’s another qualification for another major tournament – the third one for most of us and even more for others – it will be something you can be very proud of when our football is finished.”
Wales will be greeted by another capacity Cardiff City Stadium crowd as the Dragons – 4- 1 play- off semi- final winners against Finland on Thursday – attempt to qualify for a third successive European Championship.
Roberts said: “Whenever I play for Wales, I never really feel tired.
“We’re not the biggest footballing nation, we’re not the best players in the world.
“But we all want to be here, we all want to do well and I think that has shown in recent games. Hopefully, it shows again on Tuesday night.”