McGregor relishes return of Roberts

his father yesterday as Celtic moved to complete the move.

Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to bring the winger back following a successful 18-month loan spell and the player will require little time in acclimatising to the club.

City were driving the player to stay in England, with Southampton and Huddersfield keen on Roberts, while Nice and Genoa also had him on their radar.

It was Roberts himself who was the architect of the decision to go back to Celtic for another stint, with the player digging his heels in to the City hierarchy about where he wished to play his football this term.

And for McGregor, a successful move for Roberts would be a massive lift.

“Patrick has something special and it says a lot that it was Celtic that he wanted to come back to,” he said.

“Obviously as players we don’t know what is going on behind the scenes but I have spoken to him a few times over the summer and I know his feelings for Celtic.

“He really would be a massive addition again to the squad, especially as we look towards the Champions League.

“He knows us and knows what the club is about and on the big European nights he is a player who can come in and make a difference.”

Meanwhile, Celtic are still on the hunt for a central defender after a deal for Rivaldo Coatzee fell through.

The South African failed a medical with an issue over his foot. It could be Celtic will revisit a deal for the player in January, but just now they require a player who can go straight into the team.

Injuries to Dedryck Boyata, Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic have laid bare the lack of defensive cover in the backline.

The Parkhead side were linked with 32-year-old Slovakian captain Martin Skrtel, although there appears little substance to the reports.