Total Impact

Patrick Roberts is hoping that any injury woes are now behind him and he can play his part in the remainder of the season

- Patrick Roberts

A LITTLE over a year ago, Patrick Roberts arrived in the East End of Glasgow on loan from Manchester City as an exciting young talent. At just 18-years-old he already had a reputation as an energetic and dynamic winger with the ability to create chances.

On February 20, he made his Hoops debut at home against Inverness Caley Thistle and fans didn’t have to wait long to see what Roberts could do as he scored his first competitive goals for Celtic four weeks later in a 3-1 win over Hearts, bagging a brace. The Englishman went on to play eight more games at the end of last season, adding four goals to his tally.

So far this season, he’s made 34 appearances and hit the target five times, as well as contributing numerous assists, but it’s not been all plain-sailing. A hamstring injury struck for the second time in this campaign during the Hoops’ 5-2 victory over St Johnstone in February which saw Roberts sidelined for a number of weeks, a frustrating time for the player as he explained in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View.

“Considering I had a similar one at the start of the season, it’s not nice to do it again,” he said. “The good thing is that I know how to come back from it. It’s obviously a frustrating time but at least I wasn’t out for too long and I’m back fit now which is good.

“Any footballer will tell you it’s not nice watching from the sidelines when you could be involved. It’s frustrating and obviously you can get a bit down about it but it’s really important to stay positive.”

The 20-year-old has become renowned for having an immediate impact on games, with his link-up play, speed, agility and an eye for goal. In the Scottish Cup quarter-final against St Mirren, he entered the fray at half-time with the Hoops a goal down and made his presence felt instantly.