'I work tirelessly' - Liam Roberts' impressive desire to improve shows Boro fans what he's all about

Middlesbrough have made goalkeeper Liam Roberts their first signing of the season after the 27-year-old decided to leave League Two side Northampton Town on a free.

Roberts impressed last season for the Cobblers, keeping 21 clean sheets. He was named in the League Two Team of the Season after an eye catching campaign which promoted interest from Middlesbrough.

Chris Wilder has made it clear he wants to improve his goalkeeping department this summer, with last season's number one Joe Lumley already having left the Riverside on loan. Roberts will likely compete alongside another shot stopper, with Boro already having been linked with a host of additional options.

The former Cobblers goalie turned down a new deal to keep him at the Sixfields Stadium, with Northampton boss Jon Brady desperate to keep Roberts for next season.

The 27-year-old has now swapped League Two for the Championship, which is a big step up in quality. However, if Roberts past comments about hard work and determination are anything to go by, the new Boro shot stopper will fit right in at the Riverside.

“There are aspects of my game that I can improve,” Roberts told the Northampton Chronicle & Echo back in 2021. “I’m always learning. I still think I can be more consistent with my distribution and that’s part of my game that can be improved.

“I work tirelessly day in, day out to improve that and I feel I can come for more crosses as well. I’m honest and open in front of the lads and I will take it on the chin because there are things I have to improve and I can’t just rest on my laurels."