GARY ROBERTS is beginning to rediscover his best form in the Yeovil Town midfield ahead of today's derby clash with Brisol Rovers.

The on-loan Crewe youngster was short of fitness when he arrived at Huish Park last month, with Glovers boss Russell Slade joking: "He spent pre-season in Magaluf!"

But since arriving in south Somerset, the 21-year-old has worked hard and turned in his best performance so far in last week's draw with Brighton.

Playing alongside Darren Way in the centre of midfield, Roberts showed why he was so highly rated before falling out of favour at Gresty Road.

And he is keen to maintain that form against the Pirates this afternoon as Yeovil look to climb the League One table.

"I'm enjoying my time here and it's good to get some first-team action after spending a spell on the sidelines at Crewe," said Roberts, who has played more than 100 games for Alexandra.

"I wanted to get games under my belt down here and improve my fitness and I feel that's what I'm doing, so I'm happy. It's a good environment.

"I'm a lot happier here than I was at Crewe and I feel that I've fitted in really well with the lads.

"I'm pleased the loan was sorted out until Christmas as well because it's given me time to settle in, and I feel wanted here."

Roberts had off-field problems at Crewe and he admitted his career was stalling before he left for his loan spell with the Glovers.

Now he feels Yeovil is the ideal place to get back on track.

He added: "Coming down here is exactly what I needed.

"It's a lot quieter and I can just keep my head down, play some games and get my life back on track.

"My career probably needed a kick-start and that's what it's getting here at Yeovil.

"I've played quite a few games already at Crewe, so you could say that I'm quite experienced but I've got to re-establish myself here now."

Roberts is renowned as a fierce competitor in the centre of midfield and his combative style appears well-suited to the derby atmosphere.

But the youngster insists he won't approach today's clash any differently to any other league game.

He said: "I know Saturday's game is a derby and it will have extra intensity, but I treat every game the same, I'm always up for the challenge.

"I know the crowd will be bigger than usual but as a player you don't really notice that once the game gets under way, it just goes over your head.

"I'd like to break my goal duck on Saturday as well and help the team get a win.

"I did score a few goals for Crewe, mainly penalties though, and I'd like to get on the scoresheet from open play."

And after being part of a much-improved team performance against the Seagulls, when Yeovil deserved more then the 1-1 draw they recorded, Roberts is looking for further progression today.

He added: "I played alongside Darren Way in midfield last weekend and I felt that we did well. It's got the makings of a good partnership. It was good to end our losing run against Brighton and get a point, although I felt we had the chances to win the game and get all three.

"Now we have to maintain that level of performance, kick on and hopefully win the derby against Bristol Rovers."

Yeovil Town (from): Begovic, Peltier, Forbes, Skiverton, Jones, Welsh, Roberts, Way, Schofield, Tomlin, Warne, Smith, Alcock, Murtagh, Downes, McCollin, Bircham, Dayton, Brown, Wagenaar.