The number of players who make it from non-league into the big league seem to be diminishing by the years.

Blackburn Rovers' striker Jason Roberts is one of a dwindling band of brothers who have progressed to the top flight.

Like his uncle Cyrille Regis and former England striker Les Ferdinand, Roberts started out at Nationwide South side Hayes.

Now the 28-year-old forward cannot wait to play in the UEFA Cup for Blackburn after signing a four-year deal following his move from Wigan.

Roberts proved his pedigree last season - the Latics first in the Barclays Premiership - with a tally of 14 league and cup goals.

He believes the hurly-burly of life outside the league helped shape him as a player and a man.

Roberts said: "I was 18 when I played for Hayes and my career has been a steady progression.

"Playing in non-league has given me extra hunger, extra motivation to do well.

"It has been a long road for me and this is the high point, joining a fantastic club like Blackburn, who are in Europe.

"While I have worked really hard to get this opportunity, I know I have to step it up a level if I want to be a success."

Blackburn are believed to have paid £2.2million for Roberts and manager Mark Hughes is delighted to have him on board.

With Craig Bellamy and Paul Dickov having departed the club, Roberts could link up in attack with another new recruit Francis Jeffers.

Former Wales boss Hughes said: "I have been impressed with Jason for a number of years - the power and the pace that he shows. He has a real presence as well.

"He was very instrumental in Wigan's success last year. When the chance came to bring him here, I jumped at it.

"He has qualities that will lend itself to what we have here and has shown a real desire to improve."

Roberts has certainly moved around a bit since leaving Hayes, wearing the colours of Wolves, Torquay, Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth among others.

Blackburn won a spot in the UEFA Cup by finishing sixth in the table and Roberts believes the club is on the up.

He said: "We want to progress on last season, even though it will be tough.

"You need to keep placing these demands on yourself.

"I am very happy with everything because one of the things I wanted to achieve in my career was to play in Europe.

"I am looking forward to achieving that. We are all excited about the prospect of playing at that level.

"But first of all I want to show what I can do and bed down a place in the side.

"There is competition for places but you cannot be scared of that."

Roberts said he had no regrets leaving Wigan, where he scored the goal against Arsenal that enabled them to reach the League Cup final.

He stressed: "I feel I have done the right thing and was totally honourable in what I did.

"As soon as I realised Blackburn had agreed a fee I wanted to come. I had heard a lot of good things about the manager.

"Of course it was a wrench to leave Wigan as I had a fantastic time there.

"To get to a Cup final and perform so well in the Premiership is something we can all be proud of.

"But I am taking the next step in my career now and that is the right thing to do."

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