HASNEY Aljofree believes Christian Roberts is as good as they get as far as lower league wingers go - and admits you cannot beat his influence off the field either.

The Welsh winger's injury torment has dealt a hammer blow to everyone at the County Ground, with Aljofree predicting his absence will be felt more than most expect.

While Roberts is the first to admit he does have his off-days on the flank for the Robins, skipper Aljofree believes he is one of the few matchwinners around below the Championship.

Many of his critics will point to his inconsistency as his greatest flaw but Aljofree points out there are not many wingers in the world who can produce top class performances week in and week out.

He said: "He is a matchwinner and there are not too many of them in football.

"On his day he has real quality, has pace, has two great feet and is strong. I actually think he has everything.

"But you don't find many real top wingers, they are very hard to come by.

"How many wingers are there in the Premiership?

"You normally just get a solid midfield player out there.

"He is such a bubbly person around the place. We will obviously miss him on the pitch but it is off the pitch as well.

"Because he is such a character he does have a big influence around here and that will definitely be missed."

The former Bristol City man has endured a rollercoaster last few years and, having won his battle against the drink, he faces another huge challenge in his career.

A microfracture to the knee is no small ailment but Aljofree is convinced he has the support network to return from the setback.

"I think you have to leave football aside though at the moment," he said.

"You have to think about Robbo the man and his family and just hope he gets back sooner rather than later.

"I spoke to Robbo yesterday and he is obviously down at the moment. No-one can envisage what will happen in the future and it is a shame for the lad because he is such a nice guy.

"He will get through his tough time though, I have no doubt about that, and he will come back all guns blazing.

"He has had a few knock backs in his career.

"Everyone knows his previous history and this won't help.

"He has a lot of spirit and everyone gets on well with him.

"He has a lot of friends and that is going to be important to the guy. I don't think Robbo will go missing.

"You can hear him from a mile away and hopefully he will get involved as much as he can."