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Wales striker Tyler Roberts says Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa 'opened his eyes'

Wales take on Denmark on Friday, live on Sky Sports

Roberts made his Wales debut in September's Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland
Image: Roberts made his Wales debut in September's Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland

Tyler Roberts says Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has helped him work his way into the Wales national side.

Roberts, who could win a fourth Wales cap against Denmark on Friday, says he has only seen Bielsa's softer side since breaking into the first-team at Elland Road.

"I haven't seen him blow up," Roberts said. "He was OK after Saturday (when Leeds lost 4-1 at West Brom).

"He always shakes everyone's hand when we come in from the pitch.

"It's always the same, win or lose. He was obviously not happy about Saturday, but that's the same in every team after a result like that."

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Swansea defender Connor Roberts opens up about the big task awaiting Wales for their crucial Nations League match against Denmark.

Roberts joined Leeds from West Brom for £2.5m in January but injuries kept him out of the first-team picture until Bielsa's arrival.

The 19-year-old, however, has made a big impact since with three goals in seven league starts.

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"I started as a winger with him (Bielsa)," Roberts added.

"But he's seen me come away with Wales and play the number nine role.

"He's taught me a lot about runs in behind, staying up the pitch and making important movements.

"He's opened my eyes to another part of my game that maybe I didn't see as well before.

"He's got so much respect in the game and everyone at Leeds has bought into that culture."

Leeds United's Tyler Roberts (left) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with team mates during the Sky Bet Championship match at the KC Stadium, Hull. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date:  Tuesday October 2, 2018. See PA story SOCCER Hull. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications
Image: Roberts has scored three goals in seven league starts for Leeds under Bielsa

Roberts' breakthrough at Leeds has been replicated at international level under Wales boss Ryan Giggs.

He made his debut in September's Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland and his first start against the same opponents last month, a 1-0 win in Dublin.

Wales will top the group and secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League by beating Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium, live on Sky Sports.

Live UEFA Nations League

"The confidence the manager has in me helps me on the pitch to do what I've been doing," Roberts said.

"Over the last six months it's escalated quickly and took me by surprise.

"But I've been ready for every obstacle and just want to keep going and push on even more.

"I must admit I was star-struck when I first came into the squad and trained with Gareth (Bale) and Aaron (Ramsey).

"But you have to realise that they are your teammates and it's just great to observe them and learn from them."

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