An engine roller lifter for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine and constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure includes a body having an outer peripheral surface configured for sliding movement in a bore provided in the engine. The bore is supplied by an oil passage communicating therewith. The body can define a transverse passage. A groove can be formed around the body and inset from the outer peripheral surface. A connecting channel can be formed in the body and inset from the outer peripheral surface, the connecting channel fluidly connects the groove and the transverse passage. A roller bearing can be rotatably mounted to the body and configured for rolling contact with an engine camshaft. Oil received at the groove from the bore flows along the connecting channel, into the transverse passage and onto the roller bearing.