I can still make it, says axed Accrington Stanley defender

10:48am Thursday 8th May 2008

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FORMER Stanley defender Mark Roberts has insisted he can still cut it in the Football League.

Roberts was one of 12 players shown the door at the Fraser Eagle Stadium this week by Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman.

Although he is disappointed to be leaving, the 23-year-old is confident that he can make a return to League Two in the future.

He said: "I think I've had enough good games and I think when I played well, I played really well.

"This hasn't knocked my self belief or my confidence. I still think I'm good enough to play at this level."

Roberts made 33 league appearances for the Reds before being farmed out on loan to Northwich in March, where he was instrumental in helping Vics avoid the drop from the Blue Square Premier.

And he admitted he knew his time at Stanley had come to an end when he returned to his old club.

He added: "I wanted to stay at the one club for the whole season, but it wasn't to be.

"But even when I was on the bench I knew I was good enough to get back into the team.

"Northwich had a lot to play for and a lot to fight for, so it was an ideal way for me to finish the season and help them stay up.

"I'm obviously disappointed, but it didn't come as a big shock. In the last few months I felt the writing was on the wall.

"Before I went out on loan I spoke to the manager and he said at the time that it wasn't looking like I'd be offered a contract.

"But I feel that I'm leaving with my head held high."

Vics manager Dino Maamria is a known admirer of Roberts and has already discussed the possibility of him signing for Vics on a permanent basis.