WHILE the majority of today’s Premier League stars stand accused of having everything handed to them on a plate, Jason Roberts is one who has had to fight every step of a roller-coaster career.

From being axed by Chelsea as a youngster to training on his own at non-league Hayes, with a stint as an exports clerk in between, the Rovers’ striker has come through the dark times to be now mixing it with the best.

Roberts admits his rejection by tomorrow’s opponents aged just 16 almost saw him quit the game for good but, with a brand new three-year deal at Ewood under his belt, he can now reflect on a tumultuous journey that has built an inner strength.

Not that he sees his battles as over, far from it, as he uses a plethora of career bad experiences to drive him on to becoming the ‘best he can be’.

After being snubbed by Chelsea for their YTS scheme, Roberts was set to hang up his boots as he got a job as an exports clerk – a far cry from going head to head with the likes of John Terry and co.

He said: “It was a long time ago now. I think those situations made me a little bit stronger. My path in the game was a little bit exotic – I was an Exports clerk, calling exotic places anyway.

“I guess these things only make you stronger and you have to react to them and I did.

“In a way, I suppose I am grateful to how it worked out but I would not say there is extra motivation to playing against Chelsea because of what happened.

“I was definitely close to knocking it on the head when I was at Chelsea. That was the lowest I have ever felt.

“As a young kid, you dream of being a footballer and, after Chelsea, I thought that was that and got a job as an exports clerk.”

The 30-year-old’s footballing uncle, former England and West Brom striker Cyrille Regis, paved the way for his return to the game setting up a trial at then Conference outfit Hayes.

The goals flowed, the passion returned and it was not long until he was attracting the interest of some illustrious clubs again - but not before taking the gamble that has shaped his footballing career.

“It was a gamble at the time quitting my job and going full-time at Hayes,” he said. “Because I was the only one who was full-time at the club.

“But there were a few clubs in for me and it was a case of keeping my fitness as good as it could be because I felt I would be going at any time.

“I used to train by myself as Hayes’ only full time player - at least I always won the five-a-side.

“When I went to Hayes it was a case of I love football and I love playing. I wanted to have a kick about.

“I was not getting paid at first, then my first contract was 15 quid a week on a one-year deal.”

A move to Wolves in 1997 looked to have seen his bravery pay off but that was not the end of the Roberts’ story as a series of rejections and managerial bust-ups threatened to overshadow his obvious talents in front of goal.

He made just four appearances for the Midlanders before dropping into the lower leagues once again in search of regular football, having loan stints at Torquay and Bristol City before really making his reputation during a prolific two year spell at Bristol Rovers.

From there he made his return to the Championship, with a £2million switch to West Bromwich Albion, before establishing himself in the Premier League with first Wigan and then Rovers - albeit with disagreements with Mark Hughes and Gary Megson mixed in.

“For me, it was always an element of me having to prove myself at every level I ever played at,” he said.

“From the Conference right the way up. I have played at every level and I would like to think I have proved myself. I only take pride from that.

“Would it have been great to have gone straight into the Premier League aged 19? Yes of course.

“But the way my career took me was an element of stepping stones right the way through. In every league I had to prove myself.”

If Roberts gets the nod for tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea, the Grenadian international will be desperate to banish a winless record against his former club - but whatever the result he knows the importance of keeping a smile on his face.

He said: “I started playing football just for the enjoyment for the first time when I went to Hayes. As a kid at Chelsea you think you are going to be a super star, it doesn’t always work out that way.

“It is different as career but football is still my passion and is the game I love.

"For me it is all about enjoyment, it has to be.”