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Kory Roberts aiming to come back stronger at Walsall

KORY ROBERTS has vowed to return to Walsall’s first-team stronger – both physically and mentally – following his double leg-break.

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The 20-year-old suffered the horror injury in a collision with Stoke’s Ryan Sweeney in a friendly back in July.

Roberts was due to see his contract expire at the end of the current season but Walsall have now triggered a 12-month extension to allow him to concentrate on his recovery.

The defender was told by manager Dean Keates his contract would be extended as soon as the extent of his injury was confirmed.

And Roberts admitted that has been a big weight off his mind.

He said: “As soon as it happened, you think ‘What’s happening next? My contract’s up, I’m out for the season, what’s happening?’

“When the gaffer said he was going to give me a new contract, it eased my mind a lot.

“There is going to be stress with an injury but to know I had a new contract made things lot less stressful.

“It meant I didn’t have to panic. It’s allowed to just focus on my recovery. It gave me stability.”

Having been named Young Player of the Year just months before his injury, Roberts admits he was looking forward to playing a big role for Keates’s side this season.

And he admits the first few days after the leg break where tough.

“I was really excited for the season,” the Birmingham-born defender said.

“I was getting more and more excited for the season to get started, but then it happened.

“When I was told it was a double leg-break, it felt horrible.

“In one of my check ups they said I wouldn’t be back until next season.

“The worst feeling ever. Not to play something you love. It was horrible.

“But I have to make sure it makes me stronger mentally and I can come back stronger next season.”

Roberts said he can’t remember too much about the collision that led to his injury.

But he revealed Sweeney did get in touch afterwards.

“I remember the sound and I can just remember loads of people being around me,” he continued.

“But it was an accident. And he (Sweeney) got my number from one of the lads, he messaged me after saying how bad he felt, which was nice of him.

“Now everything is going well and everything is in place that I need.

“I’m having the screws in my leg taken out in the next two weeks.

“The consultant said that will help make my recovery faster. Everything is looking good and positive so I can’t moan.”

Roberts also thanked Walsall’s fans for their messages of support.

“The fans have been so supportive,” he added.

“I’ve had a lot of messages. Loads. I want to say thank you for all of them.”