Roberts is a former England Under-19 international

Port Vale midfielder Gary Roberts has praised former mentor Dario Gradi ahead of Saturday's derby against Crewe.

Roberts made over 100 appearances for the Alex after graduating from their academy in 2004.

Four years later a string of off-field problems saw Roberts released by Crewe but the 23-year-old is not bitter about the episode.

"I have good memories, Dario looked after me. He's made me the player I am today," Roberts told BBC Radio Stoke.

"He's drilled his technical work into me and he's done nothing but help me."

Roberts left the Alex and had spells at Yeovil and Rotherham but again off-field issues surfaced.

However he was given a fresh start at Port Vale and has scored two goals in 15 games. The former England Under-19 is not to be looking back. He said:

"It's lovely to play against your old club but is come down to the hard work that I did in pre-season and got myself a contract. Even though it's Crewe I'll treat it as any other game."

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