CHRISTIAN Roberts insists the Elland Road experience' has inspired him to work even harder at his game as he fights to cling onto his Town shirt ahead of the League One derby with rivals Bristol Rovers.

Restored to the starting line-up at Leeds after a four-match stint on the bench, Roberts, pictured, staked his claim for future selection with a superb slide-rule pass to release Simon Cox in the build-up to Town's timely equaliser.

The converted midfielder is desperate to retain his place on the wing for the visit of Rovers, and has pledged to make the Pirates walk the plank given half a chance.

He said: "It was fantastic at Leeds, the type of game you want to play in every week.

"For every professional footballer to play at Elland Road is a big thing because of all the history there.

"We've got another massive game this weekend against Rovers and these are the type of matches you thrive on.

"It's vital that we start winning again now because the run up to Christmas is always a crazy period and it will really shape our season."

Roberts revealed boss Paul Sturrock had been unhappy with his contribution on the training ground in recent weeks, leaving him to kick his heels among the substitutes.

But with the hectic festive schedule rapidly approaching on the horizon, Roberts wants to be a vital cog in the Town machine.

He said: "Paul did say my training had dropped off a little bit.

"I missed a couple of weeks of football which was disappointing, but the gaffer is there to make decisions.

"There were never any crisis talks between us, we were just ironing out a few creases.

"The club know how I feel about Swindon and so does Paul. I just want to be involved all the time."