It's fair to say that, after reaching the play-offs last year, Bristol City haven't hit the heights of last season. The Ashton Gate club is currently sitting in 12th place and defeats at the hands of Port Vale and Colchester, as well as their failure to pick up three points against the likes of Chesterfield, Oldham and Hartlepool demonstrate that Danny Wilson's side are not yet firing on all cylinders. Tomorrow the Robins take on QPR, who they have not beaten in a league match since 1977, and givemefootball's Mark Shail spoke to City striker Christian Roberts on the eve of the Second Division's game of the day.
Q:ARE YOU EXPECTING A TOUGH MATCH TOMORROW?
A:They are always difficult games against teams like QPR. They are a strong, physical side who have started the season in great form. But it's important that we go to Loftus Road with the right attitude and not be intimidated by the atmosphere.
Q:AN EXTRA-TIME WINNER AGAINST WATFORD IN THE CARLING CUP IN MIDWEEK, HAS THAT RESULT GIVEN THE PLAYERS A LIFT?
A:Yes, because it shows that we can compete against sides in the First Division. I know that Watford are struggling a bit in terms of their league position but we worked very hard on Tuesday night and in the end I thought we fully deserved the victory.
Q:YOU HAVE PLAYED WIDE ON THE RIGHT AS WELL AS UP FRONT THIS SEAOSN, WHICH IS YOUR PREFERED POSITION?
A:I would have to say that I see myself as a striker but I've enjoyed playing on the right flank this season. My game is about getting at defenders and playing on the wing gives me an opportunity to do that. I've had a little bit of experience playing on the right for both Cardiff and Exeter, but the majority of my career I have played as a forward and that is where I feel most comfortable.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT CITY HAVE MISSED SCOTT MURRAY SINCE HIS DEPARTURE TO READING?
A:We were bound to miss Scott because he is a fantastic player, but who's to say we wouldn't have had the same start if he was still here at the club. It's still early days and there are definite signs that we are slowly starting to find our best form.
Q:WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE AREAS WHERE CITY CAN IMPROVE?
A:Our biggest problem has been that we haven't been able to take our chances in games and when you don't capitalise on the opportunities that you create you are going to struggle to achieve consistent results. Some of the delivery into the box from wide areas has been terrific so we can't complain about the service we have been getting.
Q:YOU'RE A PROUD WELSHMAN, YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE WAY THE NATIONAL TEAM HAS PERFORMED OVER THE PAST YEAR?
A:Mark Hughes has done a terrific job and it's easy to see why he has the respect of all the players on the squad. He seems to be able to get the lads in the right frame of mind before the games and let's hope that we can win the play-off game and seal a place in the European Championships next summer.
Q:YOU HAVE WON CAPS AT UNDER 21 LEVEL, DO YOU HARBOUR AMBITIONS TO PLAY FOR THE SENIOR TEAM SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE?
A:I'd love to get that opportunity one day but those sort of things take care of themselves. All I can do is play well for my club and hope that I get the chance one day. I travelled with the senior side to America last year but unfortunately I didn't get any playing time.
