Roberts relief as Halliday’s hack does no damage
CELTIC winger Patrick Roberts admits he is relieved he did not sustain a serious injury after Andy Halliday’s wild lunge.
The on-loan Manchester City player was lucky to escape unscathed after Rangers midfielder Halliday launched himself at his opponent just three minutes into Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Referee Willie Collum showed Halliday mercy by only producing a yellow card but he could have had no complaints had it been red.
Asked if he felt Halliday should have been dismissed, Roberts replied: “Looking back, Scott Brown did [a similar tackle against Ross County last week and was sent off] but I don’t know.
“It was a bad tackle. I’ve seen it back again and it was a terrible tackle.
“I’m just thankful I didn’t get hurt.”
Having survived that early scare, Roberts went on to play a crucial role in the Hoops’ 2-0 win, which booked them a May 27 final with Aberdeen.
It was the 20-year-old’s pass which sent Leigh Griffiths scampering into the box as he won a second-half penalty. Scott Sinclair tucked away the spot-kick to add to Callum McGregor’s opener.
It was a demoralising afternoon for Rangers, who have now lost four of their five Old Firm encounters this term to Brendan Rodgers’ undefeated side.
But the victory had all the more meaning for Roberts 12 months on from losing to the Ibrox club at the same stage of last year’s tournament.
His empty-net miss cost Celtic dear as Rangers went on to win on penalties but Roberts feels he has had the last laugh.
“There’s always talk in the media [about the gulf between the two sides] but I thought we showed a real domination on Sunday,” he said.
“That’s the way we’ve been playing all year, no matter who against.
“It was a real low last year, especially with me missing that chance and us losing the game.
“We had a clear mind this time about winning Sunday’s game. We began the week confidently and all memories of last year went out the window.”
Roberts is now just four weeks away from completing his 18-month loan spell from City.
Whether he has what it