Roberts eyes more Euros joy with ‘lucky moustache’

Author: BBC Sport

Last updated on 24 March 202424 March 2024.From the section Wales

Venue: Cardiff City Stadium Date: Tuesday, 26 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMTCoverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport website and app, plus live textHighlights: Match of the Day Wales, BBC One Wales from 22:40 and later on demand

Connor Roberts has an unusual lucky charm he hopes will inspire Wales to qualify for Euro 2024 – his moustache.

The Leeds United right-back, on loan from Burnley, will be part of the Wales team taking on Poland in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff on Tuesday.

And he will do so while sporting a bit of facial hair which has coincided with a fine run of form for his club and country.

“It’s just a little bit of a joke to be honest,” Roberts explained.

“My wife last year, she was like ‘Why don’t you grow it?’ so I did and then we went on an unbeaten run at Burnley.

“I’ve done the same thing this year and keep asking her if I should shave it off but she likes it so I’m leaving it there.

“I think it has played about 25 Championship games and never lost, so I hope that continues in the Championship and maybe it gives us a bit of luck on Tuesday.

“It’s the power of the ‘tache, isn’t it?”

Roberts played the full 90 minutes as Wales beat Finland 4-1 in Thursday’s play-off semi-final.

BBC Radio Wales pundits and former Wales strikers Helen Ward and Nathan Blake likened the 28-year-old’s moustache to that of Magnum, P.I. actor Tom Selleck.

Others may argue Roberts’ effort – on the thinner side in comparison to Selleck’s thick brush – bears more of a resemblance to characters from Blackadder Goes Forth.

Regardless, Roberts will be focused on other matters on Tuesday when Wales face Poland at Cardiff City Stadium for a place at this summer’s Euro 2024 finals in Germany.

Wales are aiming to qualify for a third successive European Championship and Roberts – who played at the previous edition three years ago and the 2022 World Cup – is aiming to represent his country at a third major tournament.

“For Wales, I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games. It’s another one on Tuesday night,” he said.

“Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment, a chance to achieve something, to make memories. That’s what we’ll be trying to do as a team and a country. Hopefully we can all come together and do just that.

“We all know how amazing it would be if you win that game, what achievements going to the Euros could produce, the chance to create more moments in your life as a country, as a team.

“We all want it so bad. We’ve experienced nights, tournaments where it’s just brilliant. Tuesday we have to win, we have to give everything.

“We all want another amazing moment, another amazing achievement for us.”