Roberts relishing Killie loan

The 19-year-old winger linked up with former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark, now manager of Killie, this week along with goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and midfielder Sean Longstaff as the trio penned loan deals that will keep them at Rugby Park until the end of the season.

And Roberts, who spent time on loan at Gateshead during the 2014/15 campaign, believes he’s better prepared to make his mark during his temporary stint away from St. James’ Park this time around.

“I feel a lot fitter and stronger now than what I did when I went on loan last time, so I think I’m ready for this one,” he told nufc.co.uk. “Hopefully it can be more successful than the other one.

“It’s going to be totally different, going up there and playing in the Scottish Premiership. It should be a good experience for me, and I’m looking forward to that.”

Roberts has eight goals to his name for United’s Under-23 side this term, while fellow 19-year-old Longstaff has bagged 10 in all competitions for Peter Beardsley’s young side.

England Under-21 international Woodman completes the list of players heading north of the border, where they could face the likes of Celtic and Rangers in league action.

And Roberts says he’s set himself some targets for his time with the Ayrshire outfit – and revealed he’ll be missing out on a family celebration to ensure he’s available for the trip to Celtic Park in April.

“I’m looking forward to those two games. It’s actually my dad’s wedding day when it’s Celtic away, so I’ve told him I’m missing it!” he said. “But that’ll be one of the biggest games of the season, and I can’t miss that.

“I just want to play well up there and catch some eyes to hopefully go out on loan again next season.

“I’ve set myself a goal of getting more than five goals and a few assists while I’m there. If I can get more than that it’s great, but if I can get that, I’d be pretty pleased.”