Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts spoke to LUTV following Sunday’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Southend United.

Roberts  joined Leeds in January from West Bromwich Albion, but injury prevented him from appearing for the Whites during the 2017/18 season.

He was introduced at Roots Hall in the 62^nd minute and was delighted to be back out on the grass.

“It was a special occasion, coming in and not being able to play has been hard for me,” said Roberts.

“To get out on the pitch, in front of the fans who have travelled such a long way was a great feeling.

“I feel a lot fitter than I did a couple of weeks ago, it is slow progress, but getting the minutes and hopefully by getting fitter and fitter, I can get into the team.

“It was good to be in a game situation where you need to make challenges, it was good for me mentally and psychologically to be able to do that.

“The last six months has been mentally and physically demanding, it has been the hardest six months of my career, but the physios and everyone who has worked with me have been amazing and helped me get through it.

“I’ve not really had a long term injury like that before, so it was hard to deal with it and I was just so eager to get out in front of the Leeds fans at Elland Road when I have been watching the games there, I’ve stayed focused and motivated to get back.

“We have a new manager and the players are buying into everything that he has been doing.

“Everyone was excited to work with him, knowing his background and what he has done.

“Now we are working with him, it has been a learning experience and a good one as well, it is crazy how much you can learn in such a short space of time.”