Jordan Roberts was delighted to be back involved in some competitive action at the weekend.

The 26-year-old forward has joined the Gills on loan for the remainder of the season from Ipswich Town.

Roberts’ only other league appearance this season came as a last-minute substitute for Ipswich back in August.

He said: “It was a positive for me to be out there, making my debut. I got the opportunity and hopefully I can kick on from here.

“I felt a little tired afterwards but I expected that.

“I am happy to be playing with a group of boys under a good manager and when I get an opportunity to play I want to take it with both hands.

“I want playing time and to add something to the team that they might not have had, something they need.

“This is a good opportunity for me. When I cross that white line I am willing to give 110%.”

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Roberts might have had a goal too but was denied by the crossbar.

He said: “I caught it late, there were bodies infront of us. I turned around and almost celebrated because I thought I had it in the net.

“We took the game to them first half, we had chances and on a different day they go in. Second half maybe we didn’t create as much but it was my first game and personally I was happy.”

It had become a frustrating time at Ipswich for Roberts after seeing his playing time restricted. Of his four other appearances this season, three were in the EFL Trophy and the other in the League Cup.

He’s hoping to put that behind him now.

Roberts said: “Any player who isn’t playing is frustrated because that is what you want to do, you want as many minutes as possible.

“So for me to get out and come to Gillingham was the best opportunity for me.

“Players all want to play, sometimes it is difficult but you have to try and stay professional, do your work, whether that’s in the gym or extra in training because when you get the opportunity, like I did on Saturday, you need to take it.

“I tried to keep my mind in a good place, I wasn’t playing pretty much every weekend, but that is the past, I am here now and I want to contribute as much as possible.

“It was the right times to come and play under (Steve Evans) and I would like to repay him for that trust and give my all when I play.”

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