RAISING THE ROOFE
Oxford loanee Kemar Roofe aims for Premier League debut back at WBA
KEMAR Roofe says he did not want the League Two season to end, yet the conclusion of his Oxford United loan spell could well bring his ultimate wish – a Premier League debut with West Brom.
The winger has impressed for the U’s in recent weeks, with six goals in their final seven games helping earn the 22-year-old a nomination for the division’s Player of the Month award.
Imperious Southend defender Adam Barrett eventually pipped him to the gong but, for Roofe, the greatest reward would be a Baggies bow.
Future
The Walsall-born wideman has yet to make an appearance for the West Midlands outfit despite being named on the bench on a couple of occasions.
But with Tony Pulis’ side clear of any Premier League relegation danger, and with two games remaining after yesterday’s clash against Newcastle, there is a chance Roofe could be thrown in for a debut.
And with his contract up in the summer, the midfielder admits he is fighting for his future.
“I’m not too sure what the future holds, but I think my performances and my football speaks for itself,” said Roofe. “I feel like I have done enough but it is up to West Brom.
“I have been with the club since I was about six, but football is a ruthless business – I understand that.
“I’ve been on the bench for West Brom a couple of times but never been on the pitch, which is disappointing.
“I’d like to think I’ve done enough for some club to show some faith and confidence in me.
“I’ve been playing really well. It’s a shame the Football League season has ended because I’ve been in really good form in the last few games, I’ve been happy with my game.
“Everyone has made me feel very welcome at Oxford, but I’ve not heard anything about a potential deal. I’ve just been keeping my head down.
“You never know what can happen. I’ve enjoyed my time at Oxford so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Roofe spent his formative years playing alongside Saido Berahino, 21, in the West Brom age grades and has watched the England U21 star turn from the first-team outskirts to a £20m Liverpool target.
His rise is a source of inspiration for Roofe but he insists the secret is simple.
Goals
“He’s got such a good record in front of goal, that’s key,” he added.
“When you start adding goals to your game, like I have recently, it changes everything. Seeing someone like Saido doing so well gives you confidence. I pop into West Brom on the odd occasion and catch up with him, he’s a great lad.”
Roofe has had to plan his visits to the Hawthorns over the past few years, having spent no fewer than five loan spells away from the club over the past four years.
His first came in Iceland, for Vikingur Reykjavik, back in 2011.
“I’ve learnt a lot from my loan spells, I’ve met different people and you take all of that experience with you, it definitely benefits you as a player,” said the former Northampton, Cheltenham and Colchester loanee. “Going to Iceland was certainly different, especially as it was my first one when I was about 18!
“It was interesting to see how people view football and it was a different way of life altogether. I had to grow up fast.”