CHRISTIAN Roberts insists under-fire striker Blair Sturrock deserves more respect but has backed the manager's son to follow in his footsteps by winning the crowd over.

Without a goal so far this season, Sturrock has been on the wrong end of some abuse from a minority on the terraces but Roberts knows how quickly the "fickle world of football" can change.

Having beaten the bird' more than once in his own career, Roberts knows how Sturrock is feeling but is confident the former Plymouth man is strong enough to rise above it.

Ahead of tomorrow's League One trip to Cheltenham, Roberts has hailed the passion shown by Town fans over the last couple of years but believes, sometimes, the players deserve a bit more respect.

He said: "That is football in general. Last season I experienced that myself. One thing about fans without being disrespectful is no player goes out on a pitch not wanting to perform.

"Not one of our lads goes out there and thinks I don't fancy it. Peacock was taking a bit, I have taken a bit in the past but that isfans in general throughout football.

"They only do it though because it is their team.

"People don't realise what football is to fans. It is their life, they go to Austria, Ibiza, all over the country and when they see their team not performing sometimes it can affect their life in general.

"I understand fans and have a lot of time but in the same breathe would like that respect back towards us.

"I can truly say no-one does not want to perform."

Sturrock is expected to partner Lee Peacock in attack again tomorrow, as Town look to extend their unbeaten start, and Roberts admits he does not envy the duo.

The Welshman has this season been converted into a winger from a striker and he admits it has eased the pressure and allowed him to express himself.

He said: "Blair is doing well. Playing up front is horrible because 80 per cent of the time you don't get rewards for what you do.

"But then you score a goal like Peacock did on Saturday and his self-belief has come back, his character has come back and the meaning to his game has. Just a goal can settle you down and all of a sudden get the fans back on board.

"I was lucky to open my account and am able to play with a free range. I am enjoying it out there. I really am."

Peacock scored his first goal of the campaign against Luton on Saturday and Roberts insists you can't over-emphasise the importance of a goal.

He said: "A goal makes a massive difference. Look at Michael Owen for England on Wednesday night. He has done everything in the game.

"I have not picked up a paper but there is a different write-up if he has not scored than if he had not. That is the bottom line.

"He is judged on goals when you are known as a goal scorer.

"That is how fickle football is and you have to be a big character to rise above that.

"A bit of the pressure on my game has been taken off me. I have met my marriage, met my destiny.

"I really enjoy it. Blair works so hard. A lot of strikers like that and you need players like that in the team."