THE New Saints’ in-form goalkeeper and European star Connor Robert has rebuffed any claims of a Wales call-up.

The 31-year-old kept his side’s first-ever competitive clean sheet in European competition in TNS’s 2-0 win over FC Astana in Shrewsbury on Thursday.

He starred in the 2-0 defeat against Fiorentina in the League Phase round one of games with some outstanding stops, with six under-21 caps to his name and 10 years after a call-up to the national squad while he was at Cheltenham Town, there are calls growing for a return.

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Roberts, however, is not one of them.

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“A Wales call-up would be totally out of the blue,” said the Chirk-raised stopper.

“It would 100 per cent be out of the blue – I’m not of the standard.

“Of course it would be the cherry on top of my recent form and of course I would back myself to go away there and train well because there’s no pressure in training.

“But there’s a reason why the best are the best because they do it consistently at all levels.

“And now everyone knows (under Bellamy) are putting emphasis on moving the ball and footwork with a different brand of football.

“I feel like I’m ok at that but it would be an unexpected call.”

Roberts has been number one for the Saints for the last three seasons, replacing club legend Paul Harrison, known as ‘H’, and believes he has finally established himself as first choice.

“I think it’s come at the right time – believe it or not, I used to love watching H play,” he said.

“You said before about being calm – I didn’t think my kicking was there – but I like to be composed.

“I would say I’ve learned off the best for that, and I think Premier League standard and I’m not just saying that because he’s my mate.

“For anyone who has seen H play, it was left and right foot on the money every single time and could pick a pass from 80 yards.

“I tried to take that into my game and I like to think I compete aerially and make the big save when relied upon.

“You mix that with a bit of footwork and you’re there or thereabouts.


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“One shot came through the legs and you half expect him to whip it around his body and if you go too left then it’s hard to get back right.

“So to make that low right-handed save a few minutes later felt great, as did the reaction save to push onto the post in the second half.

“I feel that the most important one is the cross where I pushed it away. Sometimes you try to hold onto it and if you drop it they score so I felt the footballing Gods were on my side there.”