Roberts started his career as a trainee at Liverpool and played alongside future England internationals Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher in the 1996 FA Youth Cup winning side, who beat a West Ham United side featuring Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.

Roberts failed to make the grade at Anfield, however, and was released by the club which led to him being signed up by Ronnie Whelan, then manager of Greek side Panionios.

Roberts returned to England with a loan spell to Tranmere Rovers in August 1999, which became permanent in November the same year.

It was whilst at Tranmere that Roberts came closest to winning a major domestic honour, as he was part of the Tranmere side which reached the club's first ever major cup final, the 2000 Football League Cup Final, where they narrowly lost out 2–1 to Premier League side Leicester City whilst they were still in the second tier.

Roberts also scored his first goal for the Rovers in the final game of the 2006–07 season against Northampton Town – a "quality strike with his left foot, just outside the box.

That is football and I think that he has found the decision difficult and at his age you understand that if he wants to move to pastures new, not to push him away as I would love him to have stayed, you have to be practical.

"[3] On 13 May 2010, it was announced that Roberts had agreed to join Derby County on a 2-year deal when his contract with Doncaster was due to expire on 1 July.

[4] He was given the number 3 shirt, vacated by the departing left back Jay McEveley and was placed straight into the first team during the club's 2010–11 pre season fixtures.

Roberts started each of Derby's opening five matches before an injury sustained in a 1–0 home defeat to Sheffield United ruled him out for a month.

Impressive performances from Roberts led to Nigel Clough telling his teammates that the 34-year-old Welshman was a perfect role model for the younger players.

[13] Upon his return against Bristol City, Derby kept their first clean sheet in seven league games, with Roberts being stated as a major factor in the solid defence, he also provided the assist for the second goal in the 2–0 win.

[16] Roberts also spent time coaching in Derby County's academy and in an interview stated his desire to continue his playing career in the 2013–14 season.