Video - Walsall v Barnsley: Marc Roberts has Wembley double in mind to cap rapid rise

The strapping defender had just finished his seasonal commitments with then-National League outfit FC Halifax Town this time last year ahead of joining his hometown club Barnsley on a three-year deal.

Now the 24-year-old is just two games away from sealing a remarkable progression to the second tier, which is very much in keeping with the Reds head-turning campaign.

Roberts and his team-mates can pen another chapter in their astounding story by booking a second Wembley appearance this season in tonight’s League One semi-final second leg at Walsall, with he and his colleagues having travelled a long way in a campaign which will be talked about by Reds fans for years to come.

In keeping with a see-saw season, Roberts has had fluctuating experiences; from earning early-season interest from Birmingham City to some tough experiences mid-term, which led to him being dropped ahead of a new year redemption back in the side.

Anxious to finish on a high, he said: “It (promotion) would be a fantastic achievement for me, coming from where I have, and a really proud moment.

“I have had my ups and downs in the season as everyone knows, but have created a good partnership with Alfie (Mawson) and the team is doing well and on the brink of promotion.

“You have to accept that you are not going to be in the team all of the time and you have to get on with it and even when I wasn’t playing, I was willing the team to win and working hard behind the scenes. I think that helped me and it has come good in the end.”

Alongside booking a play-off berth this evening, Roberts says he is also rooting for his old club Halifax to secure glory in this Sunday’s FA Trophy final with Grimsby Town to round off a special week on the footballing front for him.

He added: “I have sent them my best wishes and hope that they go and win. It has been a tough season for them and it has been a bit of a funny one with them getting relegated and going to Wembley.

“Hopefully, they will enjoy it and win, they rebuild and come good next year as they should be a (Football) league club.”