Roberts rueful at sitting next game out

Tyler Roberts' goal was his first since scoring two in a game for QPR more than two years earlier

On-loan forward Tyler Roberts admits he will be a frustrated observer when Northampton Town play their next game after finally scoring his first goal for the club.

The 26-year-old netted the opener as they won 2-1 at Leyton Orient to open up an eight-point gap between themselves and the relegation places.

It was his 21st appearance for the Cobblers, but he cannot play on Saturday when they take on League One leaders Birmingham City, his parent club.

"It's a bit frustrating that the Birmingham one comes now. Obviously getting the goal, you want to carry on the run," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"The last nine games (after Birmingham) are going to be big. We've shown since the gaffer's [Kevin Nolan] come in that we can cause problems for anybody.

"We're looking up, for sure, we're not looking down."

Roberts' goal, a close-range header, came in the 11th minute and Cameron McGeehan added the second before half-time.

"It's been a long time coming and I'm a bit annoyed that I didn't get a few more," he added.

"It plays on the back of your mind. You have to try and remain confident and keep focusing on trying to get the next one but at the end of the day, you've got to put the ball in the back of the net and I'm happy to do so."

Roberts added: "It's nice to get the recognition, that's what gives you the buzz in football. Going out there and fans signing your name, that's what you dreamed of as a kid. To hear that any time is a great feeling."

Northampton finished 14th under Jon Brady last season with 60 points and will need another 19 from their final 10 to reach that total again.

Survival, however, is the main order of business and after taking on Birmingham, they will be at home to Blackpool and away to bottom club Cambridge United before the end of the month.

Although Roberts will not be available, team-mate McGeehan is relishing the prospect of the visit to St Andrew's by Chris Davies' Blues.

"Obviously they've done really well, running away with it at the top but anyone that comes down to Sixfields is in for a game," he said.

"The way we're playing and the confidence in the group - we'll take on anyone."