Roberts has first-hand knowledge of the lack of opportunity handed to black managers. The Blackburn striker's uncles Cyrille and Dave Regis both came up against the glass ceiling that has prevented many black players moving into coaching. Roberts claims the statistics prove clubs are not giving opportunities to black coaches. There are only two black managers at the 92 English League clubs and there have been calls for the game to mirror the NFL's 'Rooney Rule' and shortlist at least one ethnic minority candidate when interviewing potential managers. Roberts said: "Opportunity is the key thing. The numbers don't stack up. "A high percentage of these guys want to go into management and feel like they don't get the opportunity. "The stats prove they are not getting the opportunity and the big question is why, and I will let others make a judgement on that. "Bigger names than me have been put off by it, and bigger names than me have done their badges and not been given an opportunity. "I will do my badges and then wait and see. Like my uncles Cyrille Regis and Dave Regis before me, I will do my badges and we will see if I get the opportunity to pass on my knowledge at the end of my career. "My uncle Cyrille did his badges and found he wasn't even getting interviews at non-league clubs. If he's getting that reaction I shudder to think what reaction I will get but I'm going to give it a go." Roberts, 33, meanwhile insists Blackburn can turn around their shocking start to the season where they have failed to gain a point in three league matches. Fulham are Sunday's opponents at Craven Cottage and Roberts believes the arrival of Nigeria striker Yakubu from Everton will give Rovers a lift. Roberts added: "Yakubu's goalscoring record is outstanding and I think he's going to be very good for this football club. "I've played with him and know him very well as a friend. He's had some injury problems recently but when he plays he brings something to the game which I think we have been missing. That is why I think he is a very good signing. "We will have to show our character against Fulham, they are a good side, a solid side, and like ourselves their results haven't really shown the way they have played this season. "We have to remain positive and level-headed." Yakubu and fellow new signings Scott Dann, Simon Vukcevic and Jordan Slew are all in the Blackburn squad for the match. Morten Gamst Pedersen (hamstring) is out however, while David Dunn is doubtful, also with a hamstring problem. Ryan Nelsen will be assessed to see if he has recovered from his knee injury.
