ABERYSTWYTH Town have moved quickly to replace retiring keeper Terry McCormick with the signing of Connor Roberts on a season-long loan from parent club The New Saints.

The 26 year-old shot stopper has been with the Saints for two years, after joining the JD Cymru Premier League champions from Bangor City in 2018.

Following a shorter loan move to Llandudno last autumn, this will be the second club that Roberts has kept temporary goal for since signing for the Saints, and he says he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to it, you never feel as sharp as you should when you’re just training,” said the six-times capped Wales Under 21s international.

“All players, regardless of status or age, want to be on the pitch. To get 90 minutes at the end of the week is something that I’m very much looking forward to.

“Hopefully it can be a successful season with Aberystwyth, and we can try and push on for a top six spot.”

Roberts began his professional career with Everton in 2011, and following a couple of loan moves, he switched to Cheltenham Town a year later, spending two seasons at the Gloucestershire club.

A year with Chester was followed by a move into top flight of Welsh football, before he moved to Bangor, where he played between 2015-18.

On the international stage, Roberts has also represented Wales at Under 19s level four times, with six appearances for the Under 21s. In 2014 he received a call-up to the senior squad for their friendly against the Netherlands.

“Connor has figured in all of TNS’ European squads this season, but has reverted to Black and Green, and is available for selection for the match at Barry Town,” confirmed an ATFC statement.

“Everyone at the club welcomes Connor to Park Avenue, and we look forward to a successful loan period. He has got squad number one.”

Experienced keeper Terry McCormick announced his retirement after Aber’s 3-2 league win over Carmarthen Town, having also figured in their 4-3 Nathanial Cup win at Cambrian and Clydach.

The Seasiders had announced the signing of McCormick in August 2018, following spells at Bala Town, Connah’s Quay and Rhyl.

McCormick had started his career with Tranmere Rovers, before moving to Marine, and on to Congleton Town, before then moving into the Welsh Premier with Nomads.

At Bala, he helped guide the Lakesiders to reach the Europa League play-off final, before moving on to Conwy Borough and back to Connah’s Quay -for whom he was named in the Welsh Premier League Team of Phase One for the 2013/14 season.

The much-travelled keeper also spent time playing for Flint, Brickfield Rangers, Runcorn Town and Ashville.

“After nearly 15 years of playing, a fair few hundred games, that is finally that,” said the 35 year-old keeper.

“I’m glad to have helped Aber out for a couple of weeks, but it’s well and truly time to hang up the gloves. All the best to my teammates for the coming season.”