Patrick Roberts!

Celtic fans headed into the summer of 2017 with their heads held high, basking in the glory of a remarkable Invincible Treble campaign that was sealed in the most dramatic fashion.

Yet there was not too much time to settle as eyes quickly turned to who would be brought in to try and repeat the feat of the Treble in the following season.

Every conversation centred around one man, with daily social media checks on the movements and whereabouts of Patrick Roberts.

The winger’s 18-month loan deal from Manchester City came to an end after the 2017 Scottish Cup final over Aberdeen and his performances during that time led to him becoming a fan favourite and with it a subsequent demand for his re-signing.

He would eventually sign again for another loan spell for 12 months and when he left at the end of the following campaign he did so with a mass of trophies, goals and memories, with Celtic leaving a massive mark on his life and career.

Speaking exclusively to the Celtic View Podcast, he said: “It’s surreal it’s been that long (seven years since signing) but from the first day I got there it was a big break for me at the time.

“I came in with no pressure and then you see how big the club is and how much everyone wants to achieve and I fitted straight into that.

“I didn’t think we would achieve what we would go on to achieve and I’m so proud of it to look back on and it’s one of the best things for my career that I was at Celtic.

“Everything about it was amazing, even the second season spell didn’t go as well with injuries but we won the treble again and were even stronger.

'It was just like a bit of a second home really, it’s one of those clubs that you play for and they stick with you forever. From minute one I loved my time there and there’s no place like it.'

“Social media was blowing up during that summer and it took a while for the deal to get done but I always wanted to go back.

“Playing for Celtic is always a pleasure and a privilege, I would have never turned it down and never have turned it down when I’ve had the opportunity.”


Big individual moments came in his first six months at the tail end of the 2015/16 campaign, but the collective memories that Roberts holds closest came during the following season, when the side won all before them domestically, doing so undefeated and with Champions League group stage football to enjoy.

The nights in Europe were especially memorable, as Roberts came up against his then-parent club Manchester City, even scoring against them in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

But when pressed on his standout memory from his time at Celtic, one is there more than most.

He said: “It was weird, many players don’t experience that (on playing against Manchester City).

“When the draw came out we got three big clubs but we took to it quite well and sometimes when you play certain teams like Barcelona you can’t stop them no matter how hard you try.

“To score at the Etihad was strange but I enjoyed it and it was a nice rule to let me play.

'I remember the home game that finished 3-3 because I went in to see some of the City players after the game and they couldn’t believe the atmosphere – it was phenomenal.'

“We scored from a set-piece and that shocked them a little. It’s one of those nights you look back on and think wow. We didn’t get over the line but the experience was amazing and there is no better club to do it with.

“The Scottish Cup final of 2017 stands out. Tom Rogic ran past me to score the goal and I was begging for him to pass to me and he kept going and scored and I haven’t celebrated like that – it was incredible.

“Things like that stick in your memory for a long time. There were thousands of people on the street was incredible and you can’t forget those things in the years since.”

 

Apparently he's had a great season playing for Sunderland in the English Championship. And he's coming in to the last year of his deal.

 

Would 100% have him back. Could argue coming into his peak and suits us down to the ground. Doesn't need space to run into (which you don't get in Scotland). At his best using his skill to beat players in tight spaces and knows where the goal is.

 

FML

 

* *

 

Every window

No, thanks.

 

Mother of Christ.

 

-

 

Lol

 

Not again

 

Having an Indian for my tea tonight and I'm really looking forward to it.

 

Bring him and Tierney home.

 

Every window without fail

 

Oh for * sale. Geez a break

 

Geez peace ffs

 

Serious question what do people have against Roberts? In prime of his career and proven up here as well?

Would rather him than all these prospects being touted

 

Because his last season at Celtic wasn't much and he's done little since to be honest.

 

He had some injuries like anyone else could get and he was easily one of Boro's best players last season

 

I assume you mean Sunderland as he left Middlesbrough about 2 or 3 years ago. We're Sunderland even that good, they weren't a particularly attacking side like Celtic would be. Their top scorer was Amad Diallo on 14. Roberts himself only managed 5 goals and 7 assists. I wouldn't moan if he came back but I think we should be aiming higher.

 

7

Yes sorry dunno why I said Boro!

I just like his style of play as alot of wingers like space to run into whereas Roberts is perfect for teams parking the bus