GOOD PR FOR THE HOOPS
Hungry Pat vows to write great headlines on return to fitness
THE whole PR7 fanfare that greeted Patrick Roberts’ return to Celtic now seems like a distant memory.
Getting the Manchester City winger back to Parkhead on loan was a coup for Brendan Rodgers.
It ignited a fervour among fans who’d been mesmerised the previous season by the 21-year-old’s ability.
There was huge expectation on Roberts’ shoulders but through no fault of his own he’s not been able to keep his side of the bargain.
And that’s why, through four months of hamstring hell, Roberts found it tough to come to terms with.
But Roberts’ comeback might just have come at the right time for Rodgers and Celtic.
As they close in on a potential Double Treble, with two crunch Old Firm encounters on the horizon, the wide man is back and raring to go.
He’s declared himself ready for an Ibrox showdown this afternoon and a domestic run-in where they can re-write history.
Roberts said: “I’m fit, healthy and really looking forward to Sunday.
“The injury itself (inset) took quite long to clear up so it was just about getting myself back in top condition again.
“Hopefully I’m at that point now and I can kick on. Initially, I wasn’t too worried – I thought it was the same injury as I had previously that only kept me out for a few weeks.
“But when I found it was worse, it really disappointed me and I got upset about it. I got quite down because you don’t expect it. To find out it would be at least three months was tough.
“It was disappointing to miss the European games but it’s about kicking now for the rest of the season, trying to win the League and Scottish Cup.
“It’s exciting that the Rangers game could be my first game back. The aim is to go there and get three points.” Roberts’ debut in the fixture was last season’s 5-1 win at Parkhead when Moussa Dembele grabbed a hat-trick.
He also turned it on at Ibrox in Celtic’s 2-0 win earlier this term when his slide-rule pass set up Leigh Griffiths’ goal.
Roberts added: “I enjoy playing in these games and you just have to let your football do the talking. “The rivalry with Rangers definitely lives up to its billing, it’s what I expected coming here.
“It’s so fierce and competitive but I enjoy the occasion. I’ve played in a few – some better than others – but they’ve been great for me personally. All the boys here enjoy the Rangers games.”