Celtic ‘will be patient’ in Roberts chase
THE future of young City star Patrick Roberts does not look close to being resolved as Pep Guardiola prepares to kick off the new season.
Roberts, 20, was included on City’s pre-season tour of the US after shining on loan with Celtic over the past 18 months.
And the Scottish Champions would love to take him back to Glasgow again.
But with interest from Southampton, as well as the possibility that Guardiola could choose to keep him at the Etihad Stadium, Celtic coach John Kennedy has admitted there has been little movement on the situation.
But he had a clear message for City about what he believes is the best solution for Roberts’ development.
“I think you just need to look at how much he has improved in the last 18 months,” said Kennedy.
“I think when we sent him back they will have seen he was a muchimproved player. Hopefully they will look at it from that perspective, but it’s their call. Patrick could maybe influence that and they could have a chat about it but we have to take a back seat and be patient.
“We’ve made them aware that Patrick had a fantastic time here and there is a lot of admiration for him from our end.
“But Manchester City have him under contract and Patrick has to be involved in that decision as well.
“We just have to be patient and see if something materialises on it.”