Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HOOPS FIGHT TO HAVE PAT IN CUP FINAL
CELTIC will find out within the next 48 hours if England want Patrick Roberts to miss the Scottish Cup Final. The Parkhead winger is at the centre of a major tug-of-war between club and country. Roberts was a key member of the England Under-20 squad in their qualification for this month’s World Cup Finals in South Korea. Celtic hope to have the youngster available for their Hampden date against Aberdeen on May 27, but the showpiece tournament in Asia begins a week before the Treble bid is concluded at the National Stadium. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed discussions will take place between himself and English officials to try and find a suitable agreement that works in the best interests of Roberts. FIFA have confirmed that Celtic have no obligation to release the 20-year-old. But Roberts’ parentclub Manchester City will also have a say in the situation as they assess their player’s development before he returns to the Etihad in the summer. The deadline for England to submit their final squad to FIFA for the tournament is a week today. However, Under-20 manager Paul Simpson could have the names he wants to select chosen as soon as Wednesday and the players and clubs involved will be informed at that stage. Roberts produced another scintillating display at the weekend to help his team win 5-1 against Rangers. The winger won the penalty kick to set-up Scott Sinclair’s opener and also created a strike for Callum Mcgregor at Ibrox before going-off late in the game to a rapturous ovation from the 7,500 away fans. With Roberts in such hot form, Rodgers is hoping a solution can be found and said: “We want him to be here. “Pat knows there is a World Cup opportunity there for him. He has worked hard to be there. “He is here on loan, but we respect the people at England, I know them well and we will have a conversation about it. Hopefully it will fulfil the needs of both parties. “I am sure between Manchester City, England and ourselves we will come up with the best solution.”